No matter how often one faults the duiker, its swiftness can never be faulted, as this quality embedded in the duiker , is always admired.
It is for this reason that I have always admired the Ashanti Regional Police Command , for its vigilance in instilling discipline among motorists as a way of curbing the spate of carnage in the region.
Their vigilance on the road networks in the Ashanti Region, is admirable, in that, police could be spotted at vantage points from dawn to dusk, scrutinising motorists to ensure that their vehicles are not only road-worthy, but also have the requisite documents.
Motorists who have developed the appetite of driving at break-neck speed, especially on the accident prone Kumasi-Obuasi road, and that of the Kumasi-Sunyani road, sometimes laugh at the wrong side of their cheek when they are caught red-handed with the speed radar, an instrument the police use in bringing over speeding motorists to book .
Such motorists are sometimes dragged to the courts to explain why they are deliberately putting their lives and those of other road users at great risk.
Some of the operations of the police along the trunk roads in the region, have also led to the arrest of hardened criminals , many of whom were escaping with their booty, thereby facilitating their prosecution and incarceration .
Their vigilance on the road network in the Kumasi Metropolis, especially during the morning rush hours, mostly create sanity on the road, making it possible for commuters to reach their destinations on schedule to operate its businesses.
In spite of such outstanding qualities of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, there is one flaw which is gradually becoming a blot in their operations.
This flaw, which is very palpable, is the apathetic posture the police in the region have assumed towards the recklessness of users of bullions, especially when there is no emergency .
It is a fact that, police in the region are always eager to strictly apply the needed sanctions against commercial and private drivers who disregard road-traffic regulations .
This, according to the police, are the disciplinary measures meant to create sanity on the roads to make travelling more conducive , comfortable and enjoyable.
No matter how minor their offences are, commercial drivers, especially, are sure to suffer the wrath of the police.
With this at the back of their minds, motorists are eager to ‘shake’ the hands of police in their own small way, even if no offence has been committed.
This, according to some of the motorists, is to free them from unforeseen hazards and time wastage at the police stations and the courts .
Such strict application of the law by the police, regarding the instilling of sanity on the road, is highly commendable, as it sometimes helps to reduce the risks road users are prone to.
However, when it comes to applying the same sanctions against drivers who use bullions of financial institutions, the police are found wanting in ensuring their compliance of the road traffic regulations .
The refusal of the police to use the disciplinary rod , has made the bullion drivers to assume high profile complex,thereby creating the impression that they are operating on a different planet, and can, therefore, drive anyhow and anywhere on the roads, irrespective of what time of the day.
That bullions play useful roles in sustaining business transaction in the country is not in doubt.
In fact recognising their significance in sustaining business transactions, the public, especially motorists , readily give way to such vehicles , just as they do to ambulances , all to reduce the risk of keeping them in traffic.
Drivers of such vehicles have, therefore, taken the advantage motorists offer them for granted by assuming that the road networks were primarily constructed solely for their use.
With the police in the region refusing to bring them to order, such drivers have succeeded in creating an unnecessary state of panic for law-abiding motorists.
A typical example of this was vividly displayed by a driver of a national ambulance in Kumasi, four years ago.
This driver decided to use a vehicle belonging to the state, meant for an emergency health care services, to celebrate the victory of a local football club.
Moments after he heard that his team had beaten a rival soccer club by a lone goal in Kumasi during a competitive match, he got hold of the ambulance, which was by then parked at his residence, draped his dog in the colours of his team, put the pet into the bucket of the ambulance, and dashed onto the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital –Bekwai roundabout trunk road at top speed while blowing the siren.
Disregarding other road users and putting their lives at great risk, the driver continued to drive recklessly to and fro, creating a state of panic for road users , many of whom had to swerve to avoid crashing into the ambulance.
Eventually, the ambulance driver lost total control of the vehicle and smashed the vehicle into an oncoming articulated truck a few metres from the Shell fuel station at the Bekwai roundabout, damaging the vehicle beyond repairs.
The driver, and his dog, however, escaped unhurt, but to date, the ambulance has been confined to the garage with no intention of repairing it again due to the severe damage caused and the cost involved.
As usual, a committee was set up to investigate the incident the outcome of which has not been made public up since then.
Just like the errant ambulance driver, those who use bullions seem to have taken their privilege on the road for granted, and are, therefore, abusing it with impunity.
It is not uncommon to see these drivers blasting their horns in irritating manner, and moving threateningly in traffic, putting the lives of motorists at great risk.
Long before the financial institutions open at 8:30 am , many of such bullions are seen on the road networks of the metropolis moving at top speed.
The recklessness also continue after the financial institutions had closed from business, indicating that, it is not responding to emergencies that cause such drivers to misbehave on the road but they do so for reasons best known to themselves.
With their hazard lights blinking menacingly and their horns blowing furiously, these drivers move in the middle of the single carriage road networks, daring oncoming vehicles , many of which have to swerve sharply to avoid any head-on collision.
Ironically , many of such attitudes happen right in the glare of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) personnel who are rather ready to apply the disciplinary rod against taxi and trotro drivers, but always turn a blind eye when it comes to these potential murderers, the bullion drivers.
This is also happening at a time the public are raising eyebrows about the carnage on the roads.
Many fatal accidents that had claimed precious lives over the years in the Kumasi metropolis , were attributed to human errors, just as it happened on August 16,2010 when 19 innocent passengers died in the Greater Accra Region.
On Monday, August 16, 2010 the recklessness of a Metro Mass Transit driver resulted in the death of 19 innocent passengers, including a Police Chief Inspector , with 55 others sustaining various degrees of injuries .
The bus with registration number, AS 6059-10 , crushed into a stationary truck at Koni-Kabu near Dawa in the Dangme East District of the Greater Accra Region.
The Transport Minister , Mr Mike Hammer, who went to the accident scene, was beside himself with grief , and bemoaned the spate of accidents in the country, saying the country losses as much as $16.5 million annually through accidents.
The media has raised the attitude of bullion operators with the Regional Police Command over the years and as usual , the Police had always assured to bring them to order, but such assurances are yet to be manifested on the road as they do to other road users .
This is also happening at a time that the public is becoming more concerned about the number of people being killed on the road on a daily basis through accidents.
Many of such accidents are preventable, and that is why the police should be seen to be checking any form of recklessness , no matter where it comes from.
In the Ashanti Region alone, 53 passengers , including 25 females , lost their lives through fatal accidents between January and March this year, and 535 others suffered various degrees of injuries, causing them to depend on families and friends for their livelihood.
As many as 74 pedestrians, were also knocked down by vehicles in the region between January and March this year, creating a state of insecurity for pedestrians.
During the same period last year, 75 passengers in the region died through vehicular accidents , but the injury toll was pegged at 403.
In all, as many as 498 vehicles, including 160 private cars ,were involved in accidents in the Ashanti Region alone between January and March this year.
22 motor cycles were also recorded to have been involved in accidents during the same period in the region, this year.
Last year, the number of vehicles recorded to have been involved in accidents in the region were 576.
Carnage on the road can be reduced, if motorists are made to appreciate that they will not be spared if they flout road safety regulations.
Police will be doing more harm than good to the public, if they discriminate in applying sanctions against all manner of road users as it is happening in Kumasi.
Perhaps the police in the region are eagerly waiting for drivers operating bullions to start slaughtering law-abiding motorists, including police officers to generate national outcry before they decide to finally act.
Since prevention is always better than cure, it would serve the interest of majority of Ghanaians if Police acted swiftly as they sometimes do, to bring reckless bullion operators to order before they succeed in reducing the road network in the region to a slaughtering house
Sunday, August 29, 2010
KUMASI VAT OFFICE CAUTIONS BUSINESS COMMUNITY (SPREAD, AUGUST 28, 2010)
The Kumasi Office of the Valued Added Tax (VAT) has warned the business community in the metropolis that they risk being arrested and prosecuted if they falsify or destroy basic accounts records on taxes collected from clients on behalf of the VAT.
Mr Francis Ajor of the Suame VAT Office, who gave the warning at a seminar organised to educate restaurants and hotel operators in Kumasi, explained that as agents of the VAT, they needed to keep basic account records for a minimum of six years before disposing of them.
He pointed out that before destroying any business records, the law demanded that the business community should apply and explain the rationale behind their action and should also wait for an endorsement before they could carry out their actions.
Explaining further, he said some businessmen and women deliberately falsified some records of their operations after they had collected VAT from clients, and to avoid detection, they either hid the records or burnt them.
“The taxes you collect from clients on behalf of the state are revenue from the informal sector for national development, and not your capital or profits, so under no circumstance should you fail to render proper accounts to the VAT office,” he noted.
The seminar was the second in a series being organised for restaurants and hotel operators to sensitise them to ensure that their business operations conformed with the provisions enshrined in the VAT Act, 1998 (ACT 546).
About 100 participants attended the seminar, which also sought to educate them on the role of the VAT in sustainable national economic generation to support national development.
In his presentation, Mr Ajor said, basic record keeping in business did not only enhance transparency, but also enabled the business community to detect any anomaly and remedy it, thereby sustaining their operations.
He said such actions also helped the VAT service to collaborate with them in terms of taxes collected on behalf of the state.
“VAT without records undermine operations, and give room for assumptions, which is not the best,” he advised.
He, therefore, charged them to file their returns as regularly as possible and negotiate with the VAT if they had any problem for failing to file their returns at a particular point in time.
He urged them to charge VAT “on all services you offer your clients, including short time, to ensure that you support the state to generate the needed revenue that would enhance accelerated national development”
He expressed concern about the attitude of some traders who refused to offer themselves voluntarily for registration.
Mr Francis Ajor of the Suame VAT Office, who gave the warning at a seminar organised to educate restaurants and hotel operators in Kumasi, explained that as agents of the VAT, they needed to keep basic account records for a minimum of six years before disposing of them.
He pointed out that before destroying any business records, the law demanded that the business community should apply and explain the rationale behind their action and should also wait for an endorsement before they could carry out their actions.
Explaining further, he said some businessmen and women deliberately falsified some records of their operations after they had collected VAT from clients, and to avoid detection, they either hid the records or burnt them.
“The taxes you collect from clients on behalf of the state are revenue from the informal sector for national development, and not your capital or profits, so under no circumstance should you fail to render proper accounts to the VAT office,” he noted.
The seminar was the second in a series being organised for restaurants and hotel operators to sensitise them to ensure that their business operations conformed with the provisions enshrined in the VAT Act, 1998 (ACT 546).
About 100 participants attended the seminar, which also sought to educate them on the role of the VAT in sustainable national economic generation to support national development.
In his presentation, Mr Ajor said, basic record keeping in business did not only enhance transparency, but also enabled the business community to detect any anomaly and remedy it, thereby sustaining their operations.
He said such actions also helped the VAT service to collaborate with them in terms of taxes collected on behalf of the state.
“VAT without records undermine operations, and give room for assumptions, which is not the best,” he advised.
He, therefore, charged them to file their returns as regularly as possible and negotiate with the VAT if they had any problem for failing to file their returns at a particular point in time.
He urged them to charge VAT “on all services you offer your clients, including short time, to ensure that you support the state to generate the needed revenue that would enhance accelerated national development”
He expressed concern about the attitude of some traders who refused to offer themselves voluntarily for registration.
SERIAL ROBBER JAILED 30 YEARS (PAGE 20, MIRROR, AUGUST 28, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
THE penchant of a 24-year-old man to rob students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), of their cash and other valuables, received a jolt when he was finally arrested and convicted to serve a 30-year jail term with hard labour by a Kumasi Circuit Court.
The convict, Isaac Kofi Tawiah, who together with an accomplice identified only as Ben, pounced on a female student at the KNUST around 7:30 p.m. on April 5, 2010, and robbed her of an amount of GH¢120.00, was arrested barely a week later after they had committed the crime.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery, but after four months trial, the court found him guilty of the charges and convicted him accordingly.
The student had gone to the KNUST branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank around 7:30 p.m. to withdraw cash with her ATM card, but moments after she had withdrawn the money, the convict and his accomplice who had laid ambush attacked her with a sharp knife, and succeeded in robbing her of the money, purse containing her Mobile phone and student identity card.
They also took away the ATM card before escaping with their booty.
Tawiah, who claimed to be a dealer in second hand clothing at the Central Business District in Kumasi, was arrested around 6:30 p.m. at the KNUST lorry station on April 12, 2010, when he attempted to board a mini bus.
Unknown to him, his victim had spotted him at the lorry station, and therefore raised alarm, causing sympathisers to arrest him and later handed him over to the police.
Following the arrest, Tawiah admitted attacking the student and depriving her of the money, Mobile phone, identity and ATM card s.
He led the police to Amakom, a Kumasi suburb, where the mobile phone was retrieved, but failed to produce the other items.
He also led police to the abode of his accomplice, Ben, but the fugitive had by then vacated from the premises. Police are therefore hunting for him to assist in their investigations.
Giving the facts before the court presided over by Mr Emmanuel Amoo-Yartety, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence –Otoo-Boison, said the complainant, who is a student at the KNUST, had gone to the university branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank on April 5, 2010, to withdraw cash with her ATM card when the convict and his accomplice attacked her with a sharp knife.
He said the complainant who was traumatised by the agony she went through, managed to report her ordeal to the security personnel at the KNUST, but a search mounted for their arrest proved futile.
Mr Otoo-Boison said around 6:30 p.m. on April 12, 2010, whilst the victim was alighting from a vehicle at the KNUST lorry station, she spotted her attacker at the station, and therefore raised alarm, causing sympathisers around the area to arrest Tawiah and hand him over to the police to assist in their investigations.
THE penchant of a 24-year-old man to rob students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), of their cash and other valuables, received a jolt when he was finally arrested and convicted to serve a 30-year jail term with hard labour by a Kumasi Circuit Court.
The convict, Isaac Kofi Tawiah, who together with an accomplice identified only as Ben, pounced on a female student at the KNUST around 7:30 p.m. on April 5, 2010, and robbed her of an amount of GH¢120.00, was arrested barely a week later after they had committed the crime.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery, but after four months trial, the court found him guilty of the charges and convicted him accordingly.
The student had gone to the KNUST branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank around 7:30 p.m. to withdraw cash with her ATM card, but moments after she had withdrawn the money, the convict and his accomplice who had laid ambush attacked her with a sharp knife, and succeeded in robbing her of the money, purse containing her Mobile phone and student identity card.
They also took away the ATM card before escaping with their booty.
Tawiah, who claimed to be a dealer in second hand clothing at the Central Business District in Kumasi, was arrested around 6:30 p.m. at the KNUST lorry station on April 12, 2010, when he attempted to board a mini bus.
Unknown to him, his victim had spotted him at the lorry station, and therefore raised alarm, causing sympathisers to arrest him and later handed him over to the police.
Following the arrest, Tawiah admitted attacking the student and depriving her of the money, Mobile phone, identity and ATM card s.
He led the police to Amakom, a Kumasi suburb, where the mobile phone was retrieved, but failed to produce the other items.
He also led police to the abode of his accomplice, Ben, but the fugitive had by then vacated from the premises. Police are therefore hunting for him to assist in their investigations.
Giving the facts before the court presided over by Mr Emmanuel Amoo-Yartety, a State Attorney, Mr Emmanuel Lawrence –Otoo-Boison, said the complainant, who is a student at the KNUST, had gone to the university branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank on April 5, 2010, to withdraw cash with her ATM card when the convict and his accomplice attacked her with a sharp knife.
He said the complainant who was traumatised by the agony she went through, managed to report her ordeal to the security personnel at the KNUST, but a search mounted for their arrest proved futile.
Mr Otoo-Boison said around 6:30 p.m. on April 12, 2010, whilst the victim was alighting from a vehicle at the KNUST lorry station, she spotted her attacker at the station, and therefore raised alarm, causing sympathisers around the area to arrest Tawiah and hand him over to the police to assist in their investigations.
COUPLE ENGAGE IN ARMED ROBBERY (PAGE 19, MIRROR, AUGUST 28, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
THE dream of a couple, Amaglo Cudjoe, 25 and Nana Yaa, 23, to use foul means to make money to supplement their farming income backfired as passengers in a Nissan Urvan mini bus who saw the couple attacking a taxi driver with a knife and hammer to deprive him of his vehicle and money quickly arrested the man .
The taxi driver, who was identified as Yaw Sarpong, suffered multiple injuries when he was persistently stabbed and hit with the knife and hammer by the couple.
He died on the spot moments after the passengers came to his rescue, but not until Cudjoe was arrested.
His wife, Nana Yaa however, managed to escape into the bush, and had since been at large.
Cudjoe, was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery when he appeared before a Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Amoo-Yartey. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but confessed his crime in the course of the trial, explaining how his wife put intense pressure on him to indulge in armed robbery to supplement their meagre income from farming.
He also admitted to the prosecuting witnesses claims about their attack on the taxi driver after they had hired him from Ejisu Zongo under the guise of conveying goats from Onwe to Ejisu for sale.
After a trial which lasted for eight months, he was found guilty of the charges and convicted to serve 80 year jail term with hard labour.
Giving the facts before the court, Ms. R.D. Anita Wasse, a State Attorney, said both Cudjoe and Yaa live at Asotwe, while the taxi driver, was residing at Abonkro, near Ejisu.
She said Yaa had always been complaining about their meagre income and therefore put pressure on Cudjoe for them to indulge in armed robbery to enable them generate additional income to enhance their self esteem.
She said with the intense pressure, Cudjoe finally bowed to the wife’s idea for them to indulge in armed robbery, so on December 18, 2009, the couple went to Ejisu and hired the services of the deceased under the guise of conveying goats from Onwe to Ejisu for sale.
Ms Wasse said the deceased charged them a fare of GH¢60 and on reaching Donaso, near ‘Nyame ye Obolo’ prayer camp junction, Yaa asked the deceased to stop for her to attend to call of nature.
She said as soon as the deceased stopped Cudjoe attacked the deceased with a knife and a hammer and succeeded in robbing him of GH¢20.00
She said in the course of the attack, the deceased suffered from multiple injuries at the thigh and chest and therefore bled profusely, leading to his death on the spot.
She said fortunately, some passengers in a Nissan Urvan bus were attracted to the scene, and went to the aid of the deceased, but they were too late.
She said they however, managed to arrest Cudjoe and handed him over to the police, but were unable to arrest Yaa who had by then escaped into a nearby bush.
THE dream of a couple, Amaglo Cudjoe, 25 and Nana Yaa, 23, to use foul means to make money to supplement their farming income backfired as passengers in a Nissan Urvan mini bus who saw the couple attacking a taxi driver with a knife and hammer to deprive him of his vehicle and money quickly arrested the man .
The taxi driver, who was identified as Yaw Sarpong, suffered multiple injuries when he was persistently stabbed and hit with the knife and hammer by the couple.
He died on the spot moments after the passengers came to his rescue, but not until Cudjoe was arrested.
His wife, Nana Yaa however, managed to escape into the bush, and had since been at large.
Cudjoe, was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery when he appeared before a Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Amoo-Yartey. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but confessed his crime in the course of the trial, explaining how his wife put intense pressure on him to indulge in armed robbery to supplement their meagre income from farming.
He also admitted to the prosecuting witnesses claims about their attack on the taxi driver after they had hired him from Ejisu Zongo under the guise of conveying goats from Onwe to Ejisu for sale.
After a trial which lasted for eight months, he was found guilty of the charges and convicted to serve 80 year jail term with hard labour.
Giving the facts before the court, Ms. R.D. Anita Wasse, a State Attorney, said both Cudjoe and Yaa live at Asotwe, while the taxi driver, was residing at Abonkro, near Ejisu.
She said Yaa had always been complaining about their meagre income and therefore put pressure on Cudjoe for them to indulge in armed robbery to enable them generate additional income to enhance their self esteem.
She said with the intense pressure, Cudjoe finally bowed to the wife’s idea for them to indulge in armed robbery, so on December 18, 2009, the couple went to Ejisu and hired the services of the deceased under the guise of conveying goats from Onwe to Ejisu for sale.
Ms Wasse said the deceased charged them a fare of GH¢60 and on reaching Donaso, near ‘Nyame ye Obolo’ prayer camp junction, Yaa asked the deceased to stop for her to attend to call of nature.
She said as soon as the deceased stopped Cudjoe attacked the deceased with a knife and a hammer and succeeded in robbing him of GH¢20.00
She said in the course of the attack, the deceased suffered from multiple injuries at the thigh and chest and therefore bled profusely, leading to his death on the spot.
She said fortunately, some passengers in a Nissan Urvan bus were attracted to the scene, and went to the aid of the deceased, but they were too late.
She said they however, managed to arrest Cudjoe and handed him over to the police, but were unable to arrest Yaa who had by then escaped into a nearby bush.
GNAT OFFICERS UNDERGO OREINTATION SEMINAR (PAGE 11, AUGUST 27, 2010)
THE Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has organised a four-day orientation seminar for their newly-elected regional and district officers in Kumasi to help improve their proficiency in communication skills to enhance effective operations of the association.
About 47 participants, including GNAT Ladies Coordinators and Field Research Assistants, attended the seminar which sought to build their capacity in basic rudiments of public relations practice for them to promote the interest of members in their respective localities.
The seminar which was on the theme: “Effective communication of Public Relations Strategies to achieve maximum results,” formed part of the operations of the association to improve internal communication skills among members as a way of having a formidable front in addressing issues that promote their interest in particular and society in general.
The Public Relations Officer of GNAT, Mr Peter Tetteh Korda, urged the participants to focus on the seminar to enable them to become proficient in public relations.
This, he said, would enable them to recognise the need to appreciate the challenges confronting their colleagues and devise effective means of taking prompt action to address them.
“The Pubic Relations Department of the association has taken it upon itself to join the campaign to sensitise the officers since everyone in the association has a public relations function to perform,” he stated.
He noted that when this takes root in their midst, each member will be able to respond to requests for information in a manner that promotes the pursuit of the association’s goals.
Mr Korda said their operations were key to the effective development of the association, and explained that issues relating to the Trade Unions, Public Affairs and the education and professional development of the GNAT reinforced the need for them to educate their rank.
He said since teachers were still considered to be credible opinion leaders, it was important for them “to expand and deepen their frontiers of knowledge on issues such as politics, culture, the economy, religion, HIV and AIDS and International Relations for them to be of utmost benefit not only to their students, but their communities as well.”
On the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP), Mr Korda noted that it had reached a stage of migration from the old salary structure to the Single Spine Salary Structure.
He said due to the nature of their work, the migration would be done on individual basis, but assured that “all teachers on the payroll of the Controller and Accountant-General will be migrated to the SSSS before the close of the year.”
The Assistant PRO of GNAT, Ms Aqua Kotoku, urged the participants to implore all tools of public relations when interacting with members for them to realise their desired objectives.
She advised them to devise means of having fruitful interaction with the media and also organise talk shows as a way of informing and educating members on issues that promote their interests.
She said it was equally important for them to organise annual events, regular exhibitions, frequent staff durbars, as well as conferences and press soirees, among other programmes, as a way of putting messages across to their internal and external publics.
Ms Kotoku said with regular interactions with the publics and applying the requisite communications skills and strategies, they would be able to achieve maximum results and leave a legacy that would be cherished by the present and future generations of their core members.
About 47 participants, including GNAT Ladies Coordinators and Field Research Assistants, attended the seminar which sought to build their capacity in basic rudiments of public relations practice for them to promote the interest of members in their respective localities.
The seminar which was on the theme: “Effective communication of Public Relations Strategies to achieve maximum results,” formed part of the operations of the association to improve internal communication skills among members as a way of having a formidable front in addressing issues that promote their interest in particular and society in general.
The Public Relations Officer of GNAT, Mr Peter Tetteh Korda, urged the participants to focus on the seminar to enable them to become proficient in public relations.
This, he said, would enable them to recognise the need to appreciate the challenges confronting their colleagues and devise effective means of taking prompt action to address them.
“The Pubic Relations Department of the association has taken it upon itself to join the campaign to sensitise the officers since everyone in the association has a public relations function to perform,” he stated.
He noted that when this takes root in their midst, each member will be able to respond to requests for information in a manner that promotes the pursuit of the association’s goals.
Mr Korda said their operations were key to the effective development of the association, and explained that issues relating to the Trade Unions, Public Affairs and the education and professional development of the GNAT reinforced the need for them to educate their rank.
He said since teachers were still considered to be credible opinion leaders, it was important for them “to expand and deepen their frontiers of knowledge on issues such as politics, culture, the economy, religion, HIV and AIDS and International Relations for them to be of utmost benefit not only to their students, but their communities as well.”
On the implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP), Mr Korda noted that it had reached a stage of migration from the old salary structure to the Single Spine Salary Structure.
He said due to the nature of their work, the migration would be done on individual basis, but assured that “all teachers on the payroll of the Controller and Accountant-General will be migrated to the SSSS before the close of the year.”
The Assistant PRO of GNAT, Ms Aqua Kotoku, urged the participants to implore all tools of public relations when interacting with members for them to realise their desired objectives.
She advised them to devise means of having fruitful interaction with the media and also organise talk shows as a way of informing and educating members on issues that promote their interests.
She said it was equally important for them to organise annual events, regular exhibitions, frequent staff durbars, as well as conferences and press soirees, among other programmes, as a way of putting messages across to their internal and external publics.
Ms Kotoku said with regular interactions with the publics and applying the requisite communications skills and strategies, they would be able to achieve maximum results and leave a legacy that would be cherished by the present and future generations of their core members.
100 REMAND PRISONERS GET REPRIEVE (PAGE 3, AUGUST 27, 2010)
MORE than 100 remand prisoners in the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions whose cases had not been heard for specific periods have been given some reprieve under the Access To Justice Programme.
About 101 such inmates were granted bail during a special court sitting at the Kumasi and Sunyani prisons, while 10 other remand prisoners in Sunyani were acquitted and discharged by the special court.
At the Sunyani sitting, 41 remand prisoners were granted bail to reappear at a later date, while in Kumasi, 60 remand prisoners were granted bail.
The beneficiary remand prisoners, alleged to have committed minor offences, had been in prison between three months and 11 years without trial, and were treated under the programme designed to decongest the country’s prisons of remand inmates.
The continuous denial of the judicial process to determine the fate of such inmates is said to be a major cause of congestion in the country’s prisons, a situation which affects the smooth operations of Prison officers and their desire to implement programmes that would reform the inmates effectively.
The acute congestion also affects the health of the prisoners and the cost of treatment, as well as the budget for managing them.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on their operations, the Project Co-ordinator of Access to Justice, Mr Isidore Kwadwo Tufuor, said their initiative stemmed from the problems at the prisons and congestion in them.
Expressing concern about the congestion at the Prisons, Mr Tufuor explained that Access to Justice, funded by the Fordham Law School, aimed at providing legal aid for remand prisoners who had been incarcerated for a long time without trial.
He said their operations, which would be undertaken annually, would not only create avenues for remand prisoners to have access to justice, but would also reduce the acute congestion at the prisons considerably.
On why the remand prisoners were granted bail, he said their offences were minor so they deserved to be granted bail.
He said those who were acquitted and discharged had also either been denied access to justice for a long time or had minor offences pending against them.
This, he said, informed the trial judges to acquit and discharge them as the only option to grant them justice.
He described their initiatives as very successful, explaining that they did not anticipate that as many as 101 remand prisoners would be granted bail in Kumasi and Sunyani within a short time.
Mr Tufuor denied issues raised by a State Attorney in Kumasi that the Attorney General’s Department and the police in the region were not given sufficient time to investigate those who were recommended for bail, and that some of those granted bail had lied about their offences and period of incarceration to win the sympathy of the judiciary, saying sufficient time was given before they sat on their cases.
He explained that a stakeholders meeting was held in Kumasi on August 3, 2010 during which the Attorney General‘s Department was amply briefed on the initiatives and requested to inform their counterparts in Sunyani to prepare for the project.
He said if the department in Sunyani responded positively to the initiative, making it very successful , then those in Kumasi had no cause to complain.
He, however, commended them for their co-operation which enhanced the success of the programme.
Mr Tufuor also commended the Bar associations of the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, the police, Judiciary and Social Welfare, among other social groups, for their support.
He gave the assurance that the Leitner Centre for International Law would make the project an annual affair and offer justice to prisoners who deserved it.
He appealed to all stakeholders to continue to support the project to reduce congestion associated with remand prisoners in the country.
About 101 such inmates were granted bail during a special court sitting at the Kumasi and Sunyani prisons, while 10 other remand prisoners in Sunyani were acquitted and discharged by the special court.
At the Sunyani sitting, 41 remand prisoners were granted bail to reappear at a later date, while in Kumasi, 60 remand prisoners were granted bail.
The beneficiary remand prisoners, alleged to have committed minor offences, had been in prison between three months and 11 years without trial, and were treated under the programme designed to decongest the country’s prisons of remand inmates.
The continuous denial of the judicial process to determine the fate of such inmates is said to be a major cause of congestion in the country’s prisons, a situation which affects the smooth operations of Prison officers and their desire to implement programmes that would reform the inmates effectively.
The acute congestion also affects the health of the prisoners and the cost of treatment, as well as the budget for managing them.
Briefing the Daily Graphic on their operations, the Project Co-ordinator of Access to Justice, Mr Isidore Kwadwo Tufuor, said their initiative stemmed from the problems at the prisons and congestion in them.
Expressing concern about the congestion at the Prisons, Mr Tufuor explained that Access to Justice, funded by the Fordham Law School, aimed at providing legal aid for remand prisoners who had been incarcerated for a long time without trial.
He said their operations, which would be undertaken annually, would not only create avenues for remand prisoners to have access to justice, but would also reduce the acute congestion at the prisons considerably.
On why the remand prisoners were granted bail, he said their offences were minor so they deserved to be granted bail.
He said those who were acquitted and discharged had also either been denied access to justice for a long time or had minor offences pending against them.
This, he said, informed the trial judges to acquit and discharge them as the only option to grant them justice.
He described their initiatives as very successful, explaining that they did not anticipate that as many as 101 remand prisoners would be granted bail in Kumasi and Sunyani within a short time.
Mr Tufuor denied issues raised by a State Attorney in Kumasi that the Attorney General’s Department and the police in the region were not given sufficient time to investigate those who were recommended for bail, and that some of those granted bail had lied about their offences and period of incarceration to win the sympathy of the judiciary, saying sufficient time was given before they sat on their cases.
He explained that a stakeholders meeting was held in Kumasi on August 3, 2010 during which the Attorney General‘s Department was amply briefed on the initiatives and requested to inform their counterparts in Sunyani to prepare for the project.
He said if the department in Sunyani responded positively to the initiative, making it very successful , then those in Kumasi had no cause to complain.
He, however, commended them for their co-operation which enhanced the success of the programme.
Mr Tufuor also commended the Bar associations of the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, the police, Judiciary and Social Welfare, among other social groups, for their support.
He gave the assurance that the Leitner Centre for International Law would make the project an annual affair and offer justice to prisoners who deserved it.
He appealed to all stakeholders to continue to support the project to reduce congestion associated with remand prisoners in the country.
OTUMFUO CUP IN SEMIS TODAY (PAGE 31, AUGUST 27, 2010)
Kumasi soccer fans will have a real taste of local soccer brewed at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium today as Obuasi Ashgold and Accra Hearts of Oak clash in the first semi finals of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Charity Foundation match, while Wa All Stars also clash with Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the second semi-final match.
All Stars achieved this feat by defying all odds to defeat Alhaji Grunsah’s King Faisal by a lone goal when they clashed last Wednesday, while Ashgold accounted for Bechem Chelsea 5-3 on penalties after 90 minutes gruel without any goal.
Soccer fans did not turn out in their numbers to watch the opening matches, but with both Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko playing the same day at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, fans would be eager to watch the two most glamorous clubs on Friday.
With the current form of Accra Hearts of Oak, fans would expect them to devour Ashgold to set a date with Kotoko who are also expected to tear All Stars apart to set a date with their arch rivals in the grand finale.
The opening math between All Stars and King Faisal was quite dicey as both teams struggled to outdo each other
It was Joshua Otoo of All Stars who put his team on the winning way in the 39th minute by pouncing on a long cross and delivered a bullet that beat Ibrahim Iddrisu in post for Faisal.
Efforts by Faisal to equalise proved futile as the visitors defended their lone goal stoutly throughout the second half to set a date with Kumasi Asante Kotoko
The second match between Ashgold and Chelsea did not produce any goal and during the penalty shootout, the Obuasi lads carried the day to set a date with Hearts who have triumphed over them on two occasions during their 2010 Top 4 encounter.
All Stars achieved this feat by defying all odds to defeat Alhaji Grunsah’s King Faisal by a lone goal when they clashed last Wednesday, while Ashgold accounted for Bechem Chelsea 5-3 on penalties after 90 minutes gruel without any goal.
Soccer fans did not turn out in their numbers to watch the opening matches, but with both Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko playing the same day at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, fans would be eager to watch the two most glamorous clubs on Friday.
With the current form of Accra Hearts of Oak, fans would expect them to devour Ashgold to set a date with Kotoko who are also expected to tear All Stars apart to set a date with their arch rivals in the grand finale.
The opening math between All Stars and King Faisal was quite dicey as both teams struggled to outdo each other
It was Joshua Otoo of All Stars who put his team on the winning way in the 39th minute by pouncing on a long cross and delivered a bullet that beat Ibrahim Iddrisu in post for Faisal.
Efforts by Faisal to equalise proved futile as the visitors defended their lone goal stoutly throughout the second half to set a date with Kumasi Asante Kotoko
The second match between Ashgold and Chelsea did not produce any goal and during the penalty shootout, the Obuasi lads carried the day to set a date with Hearts who have triumphed over them on two occasions during their 2010 Top 4 encounter.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
GRAND MFANTSE FESTIVAL IN KUMASI (SHOWBIZ, PAGE 8, AUGUST 26, 2010)
By George Ernest Asare
A grand festival organised at the Kumasi Jubilee Park last weekend by the Mfantse community in the Ashanti Region, to mark their migration into the region, brought much colour to the cultural diversity in the metropolis.
Female tekua headgear crafted in different colours and shapes, attractive clothing unique to the Central Region as well as different music and dance troupes lightened the festive grounds. And similarly did a variety of indigenous Mfantse dishes satisfied the palates of many of the guests who attended the festival.
The festival with the theme “using ethnicity to promote national peace and cohesion” was the second in a series organised by the Mfantse community to mark their stay in the region.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfanteman West, Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr Samuel Sarpong and the Chief of Anomabo and Mpontuhen of Akropong Mawerehene, Nana Egyir Aggrey II
According to the organisers, the festival provides an opportunity for the Mfantse community to “meet and pay a fitting tribute to our forefathers through whom we all came to live in the Ashanti Region.
“It is also an occasion for us to express our heartfelt appreciation to the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Asanteman for their kind hospitality towards all Mfantes living within the Ashanti Kingdom”, they noted.
Before the the climax of the festival, a clean up exercise was organised in support of environmental cleanliness in the metropolis. The Mfantse community also visited the Kumasi Children’s Home to interact with the inmates, and as part of the visit, they donated food items, clothing and cash to the inmates to put smiles to their faces.
On August 14, 2010, a soccer gala was also organised at the Asem School park where the youth displayed their skills in soccer
Addressing the Mfantse community who attended the festival and a cross section of the public, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe, commended Fantes for living peacefully with their hosts and contributing significantly towards their development initiatives.
Mrs. Benyiwa Doe who was the special guest of honour noted that the resolve of migrated Fantes not to return home could deny their children the privilege of knowing their heritage as Fantes.
Mrs. Benyiwa Doe’s comments were in reaction to a statement made by the Chief of Mfantseman in Ashanti, Nana Arkorful Owese when he stated in his welcoming address that Fantes were living so comfortably in Kumasi that they have virtually made it their home.
The Central Regional Minister paid tribute to the forefathers who migrated to the Ashanti Region and further expressed appreciation to the Asantehene and the entire Asanteman for the hospitality shown to Fantes.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, reminded the people of the uniqueness of the Ashanti region, which he said, is endowed with peace-loving people whose warm reception to all inhabitants was second to none.
He said it was their hospitality and their desire to live peacefully with their guests that contributed to the naming of major suburbs within the city after other ethnic groups .
“Communities such as Fante New Town, Moshie Zongo, Anloga, Aboabo among others, clearly attest to the hospitality of Asantes”, he said. .
Mr Opoku Manu also advised them to be law-abiding citizens and honour their commitments, including the paying of taxes and special rates imposed by the assembly as means of contributing to the development of the region and the country as a whole.
Nana Boakye Ansah Debrah, Asokore Mamponghene who represented the Asantehene commended Fantes for their development initiatives which he said, is impacting well at Mfantse New Town, considered as one of the beautiful suburbs in the Kumasi metropolis.
Nana Debrah encouraged other tribes in the region to emulate the developmental initiatives of Fantes .
The chief of Mfantseman Council in Ashanti, Nana Arkorful Owese, gave a brief history of the council and noted that they formed the group in early 1990 to gather all the Fantes in the region under one umbrella.
A grand festival organised at the Kumasi Jubilee Park last weekend by the Mfantse community in the Ashanti Region, to mark their migration into the region, brought much colour to the cultural diversity in the metropolis.
Female tekua headgear crafted in different colours and shapes, attractive clothing unique to the Central Region as well as different music and dance troupes lightened the festive grounds. And similarly did a variety of indigenous Mfantse dishes satisfied the palates of many of the guests who attended the festival.
The festival with the theme “using ethnicity to promote national peace and cohesion” was the second in a series organised by the Mfantse community to mark their stay in the region.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfanteman West, Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr Samuel Sarpong and the Chief of Anomabo and Mpontuhen of Akropong Mawerehene, Nana Egyir Aggrey II
According to the organisers, the festival provides an opportunity for the Mfantse community to “meet and pay a fitting tribute to our forefathers through whom we all came to live in the Ashanti Region.
“It is also an occasion for us to express our heartfelt appreciation to the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Asanteman for their kind hospitality towards all Mfantes living within the Ashanti Kingdom”, they noted.
Before the the climax of the festival, a clean up exercise was organised in support of environmental cleanliness in the metropolis. The Mfantse community also visited the Kumasi Children’s Home to interact with the inmates, and as part of the visit, they donated food items, clothing and cash to the inmates to put smiles to their faces.
On August 14, 2010, a soccer gala was also organised at the Asem School park where the youth displayed their skills in soccer
Addressing the Mfantse community who attended the festival and a cross section of the public, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe, commended Fantes for living peacefully with their hosts and contributing significantly towards their development initiatives.
Mrs. Benyiwa Doe who was the special guest of honour noted that the resolve of migrated Fantes not to return home could deny their children the privilege of knowing their heritage as Fantes.
Mrs. Benyiwa Doe’s comments were in reaction to a statement made by the Chief of Mfantseman in Ashanti, Nana Arkorful Owese when he stated in his welcoming address that Fantes were living so comfortably in Kumasi that they have virtually made it their home.
The Central Regional Minister paid tribute to the forefathers who migrated to the Ashanti Region and further expressed appreciation to the Asantehene and the entire Asanteman for the hospitality shown to Fantes.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, reminded the people of the uniqueness of the Ashanti region, which he said, is endowed with peace-loving people whose warm reception to all inhabitants was second to none.
He said it was their hospitality and their desire to live peacefully with their guests that contributed to the naming of major suburbs within the city after other ethnic groups .
“Communities such as Fante New Town, Moshie Zongo, Anloga, Aboabo among others, clearly attest to the hospitality of Asantes”, he said. .
Mr Opoku Manu also advised them to be law-abiding citizens and honour their commitments, including the paying of taxes and special rates imposed by the assembly as means of contributing to the development of the region and the country as a whole.
Nana Boakye Ansah Debrah, Asokore Mamponghene who represented the Asantehene commended Fantes for their development initiatives which he said, is impacting well at Mfantse New Town, considered as one of the beautiful suburbs in the Kumasi metropolis.
Nana Debrah encouraged other tribes in the region to emulate the developmental initiatives of Fantes .
The chief of Mfantseman Council in Ashanti, Nana Arkorful Owese, gave a brief history of the council and noted that they formed the group in early 1990 to gather all the Fantes in the region under one umbrella.
WOMAN, 23, ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING 'WEE' (PAGE 3, AUGUST 26, 2010)
A 23-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp to her husband, who is in prison custody.
The suspect, identified as Vida Anafo, was arrested by the prison officers on Monday, moments after she had returned to the prison yard with an excuse of conveying charcoal to the husband, Isaac Piantsel, alias Fiifi Mason, who is a remand prisoner on a charge of robbery.
Vida, who was arrested around 11.30 a.m., had earlier visited the husband and had had fruitful interactions with him but she returned after about 30 minutes, holding a black plastic bag containing charcoal and attempted to give it to her husband.
The Indian hemp was allegedly neatly wrapped and hidden under the charcoal but the vigilance of the officers prevailed, making it possible for them to arrest the suspect.
She is now in police custody to assist in investigations.
The Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prison Service, Chief Officer Stephen Nti, who briefed the Daily Graphic about the incident, explained that the suspect was given the opportunity to interact with her husband in the visiting room around 11 a.m. on Monday, but she returned about 30 minutes later and knocked at the gate demanding to see her husband again.
He said the action of the woman created suspicion, prompting the officer in charge of the gate to inspect the content of the black plastic bag she was holding.
Chief Officer Nti said when the content was carefully scrutinised, they found quantities of dried leaves hidden under the charcoal.
He explained that Vida refused to answer any question related to the suspected Indian hemp so she was handed over to the police to assist in their investigations.
The suspect, identified as Vida Anafo, was arrested by the prison officers on Monday, moments after she had returned to the prison yard with an excuse of conveying charcoal to the husband, Isaac Piantsel, alias Fiifi Mason, who is a remand prisoner on a charge of robbery.
Vida, who was arrested around 11.30 a.m., had earlier visited the husband and had had fruitful interactions with him but she returned after about 30 minutes, holding a black plastic bag containing charcoal and attempted to give it to her husband.
The Indian hemp was allegedly neatly wrapped and hidden under the charcoal but the vigilance of the officers prevailed, making it possible for them to arrest the suspect.
She is now in police custody to assist in investigations.
The Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prison Service, Chief Officer Stephen Nti, who briefed the Daily Graphic about the incident, explained that the suspect was given the opportunity to interact with her husband in the visiting room around 11 a.m. on Monday, but she returned about 30 minutes later and knocked at the gate demanding to see her husband again.
He said the action of the woman created suspicion, prompting the officer in charge of the gate to inspect the content of the black plastic bag she was holding.
Chief Officer Nti said when the content was carefully scrutinised, they found quantities of dried leaves hidden under the charcoal.
He explained that Vida refused to answer any question related to the suspected Indian hemp so she was handed over to the police to assist in their investigations.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
EDUCATION MUST EMPOWER THE PEOPLE...To overcome poverty (PAGE 11, AUGUST 25, 2010)
THE Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr J.K. Onyinah, has said that the education process in the country should lead to improvement in the quality of life of Ghanaians by empowering the people to overcome poverty and raise their standard of living.
He pointed out that no country could afford to neglect the education of her youth, adding that an ignorant society cannot explore and develop its natural resources to improve the living standards of her people.
Mr Onyinah was addressing participants at a workshop organised by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to equip teaching and non-teaching staff of the Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School with the requisite values, attitudes and professional acumen to enhance effective and efficient delivery of service.
The workshop was also meant to build the capacity of the teaching staff for them to appreciate the value of moulding their students to enable them to become responsible citizens capable of actively supporting sustainable socio-economic development.
About 93 participants attended the workshop which was on the theme: “Re-equipping the teacher with the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes to enhance teaching and learning.”
He said the workshop was crucial to any successful education delivery and noted that equipping the teacher with the relevant skills and knowledge without moral values and virtues was meaningless.
“The quality teacher appreciates the place of moral education in moulding the character of students to become responsible adults,” he stated.
He explained that such teachers “go beyond their normal roles as teachers to assume the responsibilities of loving and concerned parents, pastors, counsellors, confidants and friends, who when necessary, appropriately apply the carrot and the stick to keep students in the straight and narrow moral lane.”
Mr Onyinah stressed that “teachers must, therefore, constantly carry themselves, both at school and in the community as role models, and like Caesar’s wife, strive to live above reproach.”
He said it was equally important for them to appreciate the effects of students’ family traits and home environment to be in the position of critically assessing their social behaviour and academic performances.
Mr Onyinah said proficient teachers were those who applied their professional knowledge and skills to create a psychological environment that made teaching and learning a pleasure and not a drudgery for themselves and their students.
This, he said, would make it possible for teachers to create opportunities that would promote partnership, mutual respect and trust amongst themselves, parents and students.
He announced that the GES had initiated a series of programmes to adequately resource and motivate its personnel to acquire more knowledge, upgrade their skills and improve upon their welfare to enable them to perform creditably.
The Ashanti Regional Guidance and Counselling Co-ordinator, Mr Joe Koranteng, advised teachers to desist from any intimate relationship with students.
He charged them to acquire in-depth knowledge and expertise to enhance effective and efficient delivery, saying this would make it possible for them to win the respect, confidence and trust of their students.
He also advised school authorities to hold regular meetings with the staff, students and parents as a way of establishing good human relationships and effective communication system to reduce any suspicion and mistrust.
The Headmistress of the school, Miss Zainab Adams, gave the assurance that the school would use such workshops to forge closer links with staff and students to enhance effective development.
She explained that organising such workshops would also help to keep them abreast of policies and programmes of the GES and therefore urged the participants to take keen interest in such programmes anytime they attended.
He pointed out that no country could afford to neglect the education of her youth, adding that an ignorant society cannot explore and develop its natural resources to improve the living standards of her people.
Mr Onyinah was addressing participants at a workshop organised by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to equip teaching and non-teaching staff of the Fomena T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School with the requisite values, attitudes and professional acumen to enhance effective and efficient delivery of service.
The workshop was also meant to build the capacity of the teaching staff for them to appreciate the value of moulding their students to enable them to become responsible citizens capable of actively supporting sustainable socio-economic development.
About 93 participants attended the workshop which was on the theme: “Re-equipping the teacher with the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes to enhance teaching and learning.”
He said the workshop was crucial to any successful education delivery and noted that equipping the teacher with the relevant skills and knowledge without moral values and virtues was meaningless.
“The quality teacher appreciates the place of moral education in moulding the character of students to become responsible adults,” he stated.
He explained that such teachers “go beyond their normal roles as teachers to assume the responsibilities of loving and concerned parents, pastors, counsellors, confidants and friends, who when necessary, appropriately apply the carrot and the stick to keep students in the straight and narrow moral lane.”
Mr Onyinah stressed that “teachers must, therefore, constantly carry themselves, both at school and in the community as role models, and like Caesar’s wife, strive to live above reproach.”
He said it was equally important for them to appreciate the effects of students’ family traits and home environment to be in the position of critically assessing their social behaviour and academic performances.
Mr Onyinah said proficient teachers were those who applied their professional knowledge and skills to create a psychological environment that made teaching and learning a pleasure and not a drudgery for themselves and their students.
This, he said, would make it possible for teachers to create opportunities that would promote partnership, mutual respect and trust amongst themselves, parents and students.
He announced that the GES had initiated a series of programmes to adequately resource and motivate its personnel to acquire more knowledge, upgrade their skills and improve upon their welfare to enable them to perform creditably.
The Ashanti Regional Guidance and Counselling Co-ordinator, Mr Joe Koranteng, advised teachers to desist from any intimate relationship with students.
He charged them to acquire in-depth knowledge and expertise to enhance effective and efficient delivery, saying this would make it possible for them to win the respect, confidence and trust of their students.
He also advised school authorities to hold regular meetings with the staff, students and parents as a way of establishing good human relationships and effective communication system to reduce any suspicion and mistrust.
The Headmistress of the school, Miss Zainab Adams, gave the assurance that the school would use such workshops to forge closer links with staff and students to enhance effective development.
She explained that organising such workshops would also help to keep them abreast of policies and programmes of the GES and therefore urged the participants to take keen interest in such programmes anytime they attended.
DENTAL SCHOOL AT KOMFO ANOKYE TEACHING HOSPITAL (PAGE 11, AUGUST 25, 2010)
A DENTAL School has been opened at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
The school is an initiative of the College of Health Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST) and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The facility that will be used for the professional training of students in dentistry has been inaugurated.
Eight students, two of them females, have been enrolled as pioneers of the dental school with the expectation that they will be trail blazers for the training of world class, ethical, entrepreneurial and research oriented dental surgeons, capable of addressing the oral health care needs of Ghanaians.
It was the old KATH administration block which was refurbished and converted to create the needed space for the clinical and dental laboratory school.
The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) provided GH¢300,000.00 for the rehabilitation of the block and procurement of equipment and supplies for the project, while the College of Health Sciences of the KNUST contributed GH¢150,000 through its internally generated funds (IGF) to support it.
The school has a 15 –seater lecture room, a library, three rooms for clinical care, an office for the dean and a central supply and sterilisation department.
Addressing a cross section of the public who attended the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa assured that the university “has plans to construct a complex to house the dental school”.
He said the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) had already recommended it for provisional accreditation, giving the assurance that “with the completion of this project, which was one of the basic requirements of the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for the clinical programme, it is our hope, that the programme will receive accreditation from both the NAB and the Medical and Dental Council”.
He said the idea of establishing the dental school conceived several years ago, formed part of their vision of responding to “national development aspirations in our attempt to provide a conducive environment for the training of science and technology graduates”.
Professor Adarkwa said the KNUST had already carved a niche for itself “as a centre of excellence for the training of important human resources for the nation” assuring that, they would continue to commit themselves to the training of human resources capable of meeting the needs of Ghanaians.
In his address, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences of the KNUST, Professor Peter Donkor, said the commissioning of the Dental School, “ marks a very important stage in our journey towards producing home-grown dental surgeons“.
Recalling the support that made it possible for the commissioning of the project, Pro. Donkor said they would continue to nurture the pioneer students for them to attain their goal of becoming dental surgeons.
Expressing concern about the limited number of dentists in the country, he said Ghana with an estimated population of 20 million, has only 120 dentists, 70 per cent of whom are based in Accra and Kumasi.
He said the country needs more dental and other oral health personnel “to ensure availability of oral health services throughout the country”.
This, he said, would make it possible for the dentists to “tackle the backlog of untreated dental diseases, tackle new and emerging diseases and provide ongoing care to the public”.
Prof. Donkor said the increase of dentists would also make it possible for them to deal with a growing and ageing population, as well as providing preventive and specialists services.
He explained that this could only be achieved “when there are enough dentists, evenly distributed throughout the whole country” stressing that “we need to train more of them in a community-oriented way to ensure they remain in Ghana to serve the nation”.
Prof. Donkor said “Ghanaians deserve comprehensive health services, including oral health services, they also deserve tooth cleaning or scaling, tooth straightening or orthodontics and other preventive and sophisticated tooth preserving services”.
Prof. Donkor stressed the need to expand the school’s infrastructure, since that dentistry was highly specialised and different specialists were required for the clinical training, so staff recruitment and development, will remain a priority for the school”.
The school is an initiative of the College of Health Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST) and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
The facility that will be used for the professional training of students in dentistry has been inaugurated.
Eight students, two of them females, have been enrolled as pioneers of the dental school with the expectation that they will be trail blazers for the training of world class, ethical, entrepreneurial and research oriented dental surgeons, capable of addressing the oral health care needs of Ghanaians.
It was the old KATH administration block which was refurbished and converted to create the needed space for the clinical and dental laboratory school.
The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) provided GH¢300,000.00 for the rehabilitation of the block and procurement of equipment and supplies for the project, while the College of Health Sciences of the KNUST contributed GH¢150,000 through its internally generated funds (IGF) to support it.
The school has a 15 –seater lecture room, a library, three rooms for clinical care, an office for the dean and a central supply and sterilisation department.
Addressing a cross section of the public who attended the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa assured that the university “has plans to construct a complex to house the dental school”.
He said the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) had already recommended it for provisional accreditation, giving the assurance that “with the completion of this project, which was one of the basic requirements of the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for the clinical programme, it is our hope, that the programme will receive accreditation from both the NAB and the Medical and Dental Council”.
He said the idea of establishing the dental school conceived several years ago, formed part of their vision of responding to “national development aspirations in our attempt to provide a conducive environment for the training of science and technology graduates”.
Professor Adarkwa said the KNUST had already carved a niche for itself “as a centre of excellence for the training of important human resources for the nation” assuring that, they would continue to commit themselves to the training of human resources capable of meeting the needs of Ghanaians.
In his address, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences of the KNUST, Professor Peter Donkor, said the commissioning of the Dental School, “ marks a very important stage in our journey towards producing home-grown dental surgeons“.
Recalling the support that made it possible for the commissioning of the project, Pro. Donkor said they would continue to nurture the pioneer students for them to attain their goal of becoming dental surgeons.
Expressing concern about the limited number of dentists in the country, he said Ghana with an estimated population of 20 million, has only 120 dentists, 70 per cent of whom are based in Accra and Kumasi.
He said the country needs more dental and other oral health personnel “to ensure availability of oral health services throughout the country”.
This, he said, would make it possible for the dentists to “tackle the backlog of untreated dental diseases, tackle new and emerging diseases and provide ongoing care to the public”.
Prof. Donkor said the increase of dentists would also make it possible for them to deal with a growing and ageing population, as well as providing preventive and specialists services.
He explained that this could only be achieved “when there are enough dentists, evenly distributed throughout the whole country” stressing that “we need to train more of them in a community-oriented way to ensure they remain in Ghana to serve the nation”.
Prof. Donkor said “Ghanaians deserve comprehensive health services, including oral health services, they also deserve tooth cleaning or scaling, tooth straightening or orthodontics and other preventive and sophisticated tooth preserving services”.
Prof. Donkor stressed the need to expand the school’s infrastructure, since that dentistry was highly specialised and different specialists were required for the clinical training, so staff recruitment and development, will remain a priority for the school”.
Monday, August 23, 2010
TRUCK OVERTURNS AT BOADI JUNCTION (NSEMPA, PAGE 15, AUGUST 23, 2010)
By George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
The overturning of an articulated truck at the Boadi Junction roundabout of the KNUST–Ejisu trunk road in Kumasi, has reinforced the need to repair the road to reduce the spate of accidents happening that part of the road network in Kumasi.
The truck with registration number 32 GH 5231 fully loaded with assorted goods, was heading towards the commercial area of Kumasi on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, when it capsized at the roundabout.
The accident brought vehicular traffic to a halt, as motorists struggled to manoeuvre to create space to continue their journeys to the commercial area in Kumasi.
Expressing concern about the nature of the road, during an interview with Graphic Nsempa, a Long Vehicle driver, Mr Kwame Owusu Ansah said it was time the Urban Roads Department re-engineered the roundabouts that had been designed in the middle of the road.
This, he said, would reduce the spate of accidents that had been occurring since the road was re-constructed.
He wondered why roundabouts should be created at areas where there were no intercessions, saying the nature of the road was affecting road safety.
“Since these roundabouts were designed, a number of accidents, many of which fatal, and had claimed precious lives, had occurred, and the expectation was that, the Urban Roads Department would initiate measures to rectify the errors created, but they are behaving as if there is nothing at stake” he bemoaned.
Mr Owusu Ansah said long vehicles, which were fully loaded “mostly fall prey to these traps created, so we are appealing to the authorities to heed cries by redesigning the roundabouts”.
Eyewitness account told Graphic Nsempa that the vehicle overturned when it attempted to negotiate the roundabout.
The driver who was said to have sustained minor injuries was rushed to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital where he was treated.
The overturning of an articulated truck at the Boadi Junction roundabout of the KNUST–Ejisu trunk road in Kumasi, has reinforced the need to repair the road to reduce the spate of accidents happening that part of the road network in Kumasi.
The truck with registration number 32 GH 5231 fully loaded with assorted goods, was heading towards the commercial area of Kumasi on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, when it capsized at the roundabout.
The accident brought vehicular traffic to a halt, as motorists struggled to manoeuvre to create space to continue their journeys to the commercial area in Kumasi.
Expressing concern about the nature of the road, during an interview with Graphic Nsempa, a Long Vehicle driver, Mr Kwame Owusu Ansah said it was time the Urban Roads Department re-engineered the roundabouts that had been designed in the middle of the road.
This, he said, would reduce the spate of accidents that had been occurring since the road was re-constructed.
He wondered why roundabouts should be created at areas where there were no intercessions, saying the nature of the road was affecting road safety.
“Since these roundabouts were designed, a number of accidents, many of which fatal, and had claimed precious lives, had occurred, and the expectation was that, the Urban Roads Department would initiate measures to rectify the errors created, but they are behaving as if there is nothing at stake” he bemoaned.
Mr Owusu Ansah said long vehicles, which were fully loaded “mostly fall prey to these traps created, so we are appealing to the authorities to heed cries by redesigning the roundabouts”.
Eyewitness account told Graphic Nsempa that the vehicle overturned when it attempted to negotiate the roundabout.
The driver who was said to have sustained minor injuries was rushed to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital where he was treated.
SUSPECTED ROBBER KILLED IN SHOOT-OUT (PAGE 3, AUGUST 23, 2010)
ONE out of six suspected armed robbers was killed in a shoot-out with the police at Obuasi at the weekend.
One other sustained gunshot wounds, while the rest managed to escape.
According to the police, the robbers were laying siege to the warehouse of Africa Explosives Limited at Sanso, near Obuasi when police intervened, leading to the shoot out.
Both the deceased and the injured, who are said to be in their early twenties, are yet to be identified.
The injured was said to have received gunshots in the hands and abdomen and was in critical condition.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), hospital mortuary, while the injured is receiving medical care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he was rushed to.
The gun battle lasted for about 20 minutes.
The Obuasi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Amissah, who briefed the Daily Graphic about the incident, said upon receiving a tip-off that a gang of robbers were besieging the warehouse to rob it of quantities of explosives, police laid ambush around the area.
He said previously, the police were providing a 24-hour guard at the warehouse, which supplies explosives to the mining and quarry industries at Obuasi and its environs.
He said,however, for sometime now, they had not been able to keep guard due to some technical reasons, so the gang took advantage of their absence and decided to invade the warehouse.
Chief Superintendent Amissah said when the police had information that the gang had planned to operate, they laid ambush and around 11 a.m. saw members of the gang, who were wielding locally manufactured guns, machetes and cudgels, entering the premises of the warehouse in an attempt to break into it.
He said when the police ordered them to surrender their weapons, the gang opened fire, compelling the police to respond, resulting in the death of one, while the other was injured.
One other sustained gunshot wounds, while the rest managed to escape.
According to the police, the robbers were laying siege to the warehouse of Africa Explosives Limited at Sanso, near Obuasi when police intervened, leading to the shoot out.
Both the deceased and the injured, who are said to be in their early twenties, are yet to be identified.
The injured was said to have received gunshots in the hands and abdomen and was in critical condition.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), hospital mortuary, while the injured is receiving medical care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where he was rushed to.
The gun battle lasted for about 20 minutes.
The Obuasi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Amissah, who briefed the Daily Graphic about the incident, said upon receiving a tip-off that a gang of robbers were besieging the warehouse to rob it of quantities of explosives, police laid ambush around the area.
He said previously, the police were providing a 24-hour guard at the warehouse, which supplies explosives to the mining and quarry industries at Obuasi and its environs.
He said,however, for sometime now, they had not been able to keep guard due to some technical reasons, so the gang took advantage of their absence and decided to invade the warehouse.
Chief Superintendent Amissah said when the police had information that the gang had planned to operate, they laid ambush and around 11 a.m. saw members of the gang, who were wielding locally manufactured guns, machetes and cudgels, entering the premises of the warehouse in an attempt to break into it.
He said when the police ordered them to surrender their weapons, the gang opened fire, compelling the police to respond, resulting in the death of one, while the other was injured.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
VAT EDUCATES BUSINESS COMMUNITY (PAGE 18, AUGUST 21, 2010)
AUTHORITIES of the Suame VAT Office have organised the first of a series of seminars for Restaurant and Hotel operators within Suame in Kumasi to educate them on their rights and responsibilities as business entities .
The seminar was part of the initiatives of the Service to motivate the business community in the Kumasi Metropolis on the compliance of filing VAT returns to enhance adequate income generation for the country.
It was also meant to educate the participants for them to understand and appreciate their roles and responsibilities as business men and women, as well as their rights and sanctions under the VAT law.
About 80 participants attended the seminar which also sought to educate them on the role of the VAT in sustainable national economic generation to support national development.
They were also educated on the general operations of VAT, compliance under VAT with special references to keeping adequate records, issuance of VAT invoice to customers, charging VAT on all services rendered and the filing of VAT payments.
Addressing the participants, the Head of the Suame VAT Office, Mrs Agnes A. Adu-Boateng said VAT played a key role in the general development of the economy, especially in the provision of road infrastructure, schools, hospitals, pipe borne water and the payment of salaries among others.
She said two and a half per cent of VAT is put aside to support the Ghana Educational Trust fund to provide educational infrastructure “ at all levels of our educational institutions in Ghana”.
“The VAT through its collection of 2.5 per cent National Health Insurance Levy is the main source of funding to Ghana’s novel National Health Insurance Scheme which has come to replace cash and carry system and instituted communal funding of health care delivery to Ghanaians” she stressed.
She said it was important for business to keep adequate records in all their operations and also issue VAT invoices to customers.
Mrs Adu- Boateng also encouraged participant to charge VAT on all service rendered to customers and ensure that they filed returns of VAT payments regularly to avoid any form of sanction.
In his presentation, Mr Francis Ajor of the Suame VAT office explained that keeping good records was not only relevant to provide a ready data for the completion of their VAT returns, “but also help businesses to assess their performances on weekly, monthly and yearly basis”.
He expressed concern about the attitude of some traders who refused to offer themselves voluntarily for registration .
He therefore urged traders to register with the service and also encouraged them to charge the requisite taxes on services rendered to customers to enhance adequate income generation for the country .
He advised the participants not only to display their VAT certificate publicly, but also keep their Ghana Tourist Board and lodgers registers .
He said they were also obliged to display their rates and price lists , keep VAT sales invoices, as well as keeping annual accounts and bank statements of their businesses.
Mr Ajor warned that the VAT would sanction them if they failed to register their businesses or failed to issue VAT and levy invoices to customers they had served.
He said it was equally wrong for them to refuse to account for taxes collected for the office, falsify or alter documents of their operations or obstruct officers of VAT who approach them to perform any official duties.
The seminar was part of the initiatives of the Service to motivate the business community in the Kumasi Metropolis on the compliance of filing VAT returns to enhance adequate income generation for the country.
It was also meant to educate the participants for them to understand and appreciate their roles and responsibilities as business men and women, as well as their rights and sanctions under the VAT law.
About 80 participants attended the seminar which also sought to educate them on the role of the VAT in sustainable national economic generation to support national development.
They were also educated on the general operations of VAT, compliance under VAT with special references to keeping adequate records, issuance of VAT invoice to customers, charging VAT on all services rendered and the filing of VAT payments.
Addressing the participants, the Head of the Suame VAT Office, Mrs Agnes A. Adu-Boateng said VAT played a key role in the general development of the economy, especially in the provision of road infrastructure, schools, hospitals, pipe borne water and the payment of salaries among others.
She said two and a half per cent of VAT is put aside to support the Ghana Educational Trust fund to provide educational infrastructure “ at all levels of our educational institutions in Ghana”.
“The VAT through its collection of 2.5 per cent National Health Insurance Levy is the main source of funding to Ghana’s novel National Health Insurance Scheme which has come to replace cash and carry system and instituted communal funding of health care delivery to Ghanaians” she stressed.
She said it was important for business to keep adequate records in all their operations and also issue VAT invoices to customers.
Mrs Adu- Boateng also encouraged participant to charge VAT on all service rendered to customers and ensure that they filed returns of VAT payments regularly to avoid any form of sanction.
In his presentation, Mr Francis Ajor of the Suame VAT office explained that keeping good records was not only relevant to provide a ready data for the completion of their VAT returns, “but also help businesses to assess their performances on weekly, monthly and yearly basis”.
He expressed concern about the attitude of some traders who refused to offer themselves voluntarily for registration .
He therefore urged traders to register with the service and also encouraged them to charge the requisite taxes on services rendered to customers to enhance adequate income generation for the country .
He advised the participants not only to display their VAT certificate publicly, but also keep their Ghana Tourist Board and lodgers registers .
He said they were also obliged to display their rates and price lists , keep VAT sales invoices, as well as keeping annual accounts and bank statements of their businesses.
Mr Ajor warned that the VAT would sanction them if they failed to register their businesses or failed to issue VAT and levy invoices to customers they had served.
He said it was equally wrong for them to refuse to account for taxes collected for the office, falsify or alter documents of their operations or obstruct officers of VAT who approach them to perform any official duties.
Friday, August 20, 2010
TROTRO DRIVER, MATE STEAL MASTER'S BUS (MIRROR, PAGE 20, AUGUST 21, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
A grand design allegedly orchestrated and executed by a Kumasi based ‘trotro’ driver and his mate to deprive their master of his Urvan Nissan mini bus has backfired.
The two, together with a businessman accomplice, have been arrested by the police after the vehicle was retrieved from the businessman who bought it for GH¢ 5,000.
Their arrest followed a tip-off by a witness who heard that the vehicle in question had been hijacked by unknown men at the Kejetia lorry terminal.
A few hours after an announcement was made about the said vehicle, the witness spotted the car at a washing bay at Atimatim, a suburb of Kumasi and alerted the police who responded swiftly to investigate.
When the police got to the washing bay, they detected that seats in the vehicle had been removed. They also detected that the number plate had been removed and address defaced, ready for repainting.
Their investigations led to the arrest of Iddris Samiu, a 22-year-old trader, who told the police that he bought the vehicle from Kwadwo Antwi, 27, the driver of the vechile and Kwadwo Ofori, 22, his mate, for GH¢5,000 and had already paid GH¢4,000 to them.
The three suspects, who were placed in police custody to assist in their investigations, have been granted bail in the sum of GH¢ 15,0000 each with two sureties by a Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Amoo Yartey.
Antwi pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraudulent breach of trust while Ofori also pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing.
Samiu on the other hand pleaded not guilty to a charge of dishonestly receiving.
Giving the facts of the case before the court, a State Attorney, Mr Lawrence Emmanuel Otoo-Boison said the complainant, Mr Akwasi Oppong, who is a transport owner at Mamponteng, near Kumasi, entrusted his vehicle in the care of Antwi.
He said on June 26, 2010, the complainant was informed that the Nissan Urvan mini bus, which Antwi was using as a commercial transport vehicle had been stolen at the Kajetia lorry terminal. He, therefore, quickly alerted the police for them to investigate.
He explained that days before the vehicle was stolen, Antwi had persistently complained about harassment from the police who demanded to see the documents covering the vehicle.
The prosecutor said the complainant refused to give the documents to Antwi in spite of his persistent demands.
Mr Otoo-Boison said it was during police investigations that they discovered that the vehicle was never hijacked as Antwi alleged, rather he allegedly arranged with Iddriss to buy it at a cost GH ¢ 5,000 and later concocted a story about the hijacking to the complainant.
A grand design allegedly orchestrated and executed by a Kumasi based ‘trotro’ driver and his mate to deprive their master of his Urvan Nissan mini bus has backfired.
The two, together with a businessman accomplice, have been arrested by the police after the vehicle was retrieved from the businessman who bought it for GH¢ 5,000.
Their arrest followed a tip-off by a witness who heard that the vehicle in question had been hijacked by unknown men at the Kejetia lorry terminal.
A few hours after an announcement was made about the said vehicle, the witness spotted the car at a washing bay at Atimatim, a suburb of Kumasi and alerted the police who responded swiftly to investigate.
When the police got to the washing bay, they detected that seats in the vehicle had been removed. They also detected that the number plate had been removed and address defaced, ready for repainting.
Their investigations led to the arrest of Iddris Samiu, a 22-year-old trader, who told the police that he bought the vehicle from Kwadwo Antwi, 27, the driver of the vechile and Kwadwo Ofori, 22, his mate, for GH¢5,000 and had already paid GH¢4,000 to them.
The three suspects, who were placed in police custody to assist in their investigations, have been granted bail in the sum of GH¢ 15,0000 each with two sureties by a Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Emmanuel Amoo Yartey.
Antwi pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraudulent breach of trust while Ofori also pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing.
Samiu on the other hand pleaded not guilty to a charge of dishonestly receiving.
Giving the facts of the case before the court, a State Attorney, Mr Lawrence Emmanuel Otoo-Boison said the complainant, Mr Akwasi Oppong, who is a transport owner at Mamponteng, near Kumasi, entrusted his vehicle in the care of Antwi.
He said on June 26, 2010, the complainant was informed that the Nissan Urvan mini bus, which Antwi was using as a commercial transport vehicle had been stolen at the Kajetia lorry terminal. He, therefore, quickly alerted the police for them to investigate.
He explained that days before the vehicle was stolen, Antwi had persistently complained about harassment from the police who demanded to see the documents covering the vehicle.
The prosecutor said the complainant refused to give the documents to Antwi in spite of his persistent demands.
Mr Otoo-Boison said it was during police investigations that they discovered that the vehicle was never hijacked as Antwi alleged, rather he allegedly arranged with Iddriss to buy it at a cost GH ¢ 5,000 and later concocted a story about the hijacking to the complainant.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
WITHDRAW 'ENRICH ENGLISH LANGUAGE' TEXTBOOKS (PAGE 11, AUGUST 18, 2010)
A TEAM of researchers has called for the immediate withdrawal of ‘Enrich English Language’ text books used by Junior High Schools (JHS) in the country.
According to the researchers, the books did not have the qualities to improve effective teaching and learning at the basic level.
The researchers are from the Textbook and Educational Media Studies (TEEMS) at the Department of Publishing Studies, KNUST.
The researchers said, the text books and the Teachers Guide from the same authors, which were approved last year for JHS 1-3, were not resourceful enough to provide useful materials for teachers to enhance their proficiency in offering quality services to pupils.
The researchers said the books also failed to meet the criteria for the policy for text book development in the country.
According to TEEMS, teachers contacted on the books and their usage have also expressed concern about the book and how it limits their horizon.
Giving details on why the books should be withdrawn, they noted that the teachers guide was supposed to give the teacher an orientation on what was packaged in the book and how he or she should teach, as well as why they should teach the way they should.
They pointed out that the books had many limitations, especially when they are related to the text book policy adding that the teacher’s guide is supposed to be the resource material that explains how and why certain tasks had been put into the books but in this instance that is not the case.
TEEMS consists of a group of researchers, academics and associate experts who are well acquainted with educational publishing and materials development and the general book situation in Ghana and the developing world.
The centre has been established in recognition of the central and critical role of textbooks and other learning resources in the achievements of the goals of education, particularly, in book famine communities, such as Ghana.
Apart from undertaking extensive studies on the contents of text books at the basic level to determine their suitability, TEEMS also coordinates and executes a wide range of projects and activities in areas of research, education and training, as well as the documentation and information dissemination for local and international stakeholders in education and book development.
It is affiliated with the Curriculum Research and Development Division of the Ghana Education Service, as well as the Ghana Book Development Council and the Ghana Book Publishers Association among others.
Expressing concern about the nature of the Enrich English Language text books and the Teachers’ guide during an interview with the Daily Graphic, the leader of TEEMS, Dr Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, said both the contents of the pupils books and teachers guide were the same.
He stated that the teachers guide was supposed to offer a background for the teacher to enable him to be proficient in his delivery.
He pointed out that “teachers would be teaching by rote and by recall if they depend on these books because teachers have no background on the guide book that they are using”.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa noted, “a good guide gives a comprehensive idea about the text book, how it had been organised, the methodology for use, the main lessons and guidelines, how to teach the theory, listening habits, reading and each unit and how to teach each lesson.
“Unfortunately, this guide fails to address these needs, and to us, it becomes very difficult for teachers to depend on such books to teach in a more meaningful and effective manner,” he stated.
According to the researchers, the books did not have the qualities to improve effective teaching and learning at the basic level.
The researchers are from the Textbook and Educational Media Studies (TEEMS) at the Department of Publishing Studies, KNUST.
The researchers said, the text books and the Teachers Guide from the same authors, which were approved last year for JHS 1-3, were not resourceful enough to provide useful materials for teachers to enhance their proficiency in offering quality services to pupils.
The researchers said the books also failed to meet the criteria for the policy for text book development in the country.
According to TEEMS, teachers contacted on the books and their usage have also expressed concern about the book and how it limits their horizon.
Giving details on why the books should be withdrawn, they noted that the teachers guide was supposed to give the teacher an orientation on what was packaged in the book and how he or she should teach, as well as why they should teach the way they should.
They pointed out that the books had many limitations, especially when they are related to the text book policy adding that the teacher’s guide is supposed to be the resource material that explains how and why certain tasks had been put into the books but in this instance that is not the case.
TEEMS consists of a group of researchers, academics and associate experts who are well acquainted with educational publishing and materials development and the general book situation in Ghana and the developing world.
The centre has been established in recognition of the central and critical role of textbooks and other learning resources in the achievements of the goals of education, particularly, in book famine communities, such as Ghana.
Apart from undertaking extensive studies on the contents of text books at the basic level to determine their suitability, TEEMS also coordinates and executes a wide range of projects and activities in areas of research, education and training, as well as the documentation and information dissemination for local and international stakeholders in education and book development.
It is affiliated with the Curriculum Research and Development Division of the Ghana Education Service, as well as the Ghana Book Development Council and the Ghana Book Publishers Association among others.
Expressing concern about the nature of the Enrich English Language text books and the Teachers’ guide during an interview with the Daily Graphic, the leader of TEEMS, Dr Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, said both the contents of the pupils books and teachers guide were the same.
He stated that the teachers guide was supposed to offer a background for the teacher to enable him to be proficient in his delivery.
He pointed out that “teachers would be teaching by rote and by recall if they depend on these books because teachers have no background on the guide book that they are using”.
Dr Opoku-Amankwa noted, “a good guide gives a comprehensive idea about the text book, how it had been organised, the methodology for use, the main lessons and guidelines, how to teach the theory, listening habits, reading and each unit and how to teach each lesson.
“Unfortunately, this guide fails to address these needs, and to us, it becomes very difficult for teachers to depend on such books to teach in a more meaningful and effective manner,” he stated.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
AFFORESTATION TO PROIDE 30,000 JOBS (PAGE 46, AUGUST 18, 2010)
THE National Forest Plantation Development Programme (NFPDP) launched by President John Evans Atta Mills on January 20, 2010 is on course to provide 30,000 jobs for the youth in various parts of the country.
It is also on course to restore 30,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves this year as part of measures to improve afforestation in the country.
About GH¢66.8 million is being spent on the programme.
The programme, designed to restore lost forests in the country, is also meant to create jobs for the youth in deprived communities.
It forms part of the government’s desire to reduce rural poverty and improve the quality of the environment and contribute significantly to food security by increasing food production.
The Director of Plantation Review Performance, Mr Francis Amoah, who announced this at Akyawkrom in the Ashanti Region during a performance review meeting, stated that the programme was being implemented in degraded forest areas and outside the degraded forest reserves.
The agenda of the meeting included an overview of the performance of the NFPDP since it was launched in January this year.
It also discussed natural forest operations and the challenges from the various regions where the programme has started.
Also on the agenda was the performance report on the establishment and maintenance of plantations by contractors, as well as seedling production and distribution.
ECOTECH, ZOIL Services and African Foresters Brigade are the local contractors executing the programme.
Mr Amoah stated that this year, 30,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves and areas outside the reserves would be covered.
He said the programme would also cover 100 districts in the country and gave assurance that the remaining districts would be brought on board next year.
He said the Forest Research Institute, the Ghana National Fire Service, non-governmental organisations, traditional rulers, among others, were collaborating to ensure that the programme achieved its objectives.
It is also on course to restore 30,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves this year as part of measures to improve afforestation in the country.
About GH¢66.8 million is being spent on the programme.
The programme, designed to restore lost forests in the country, is also meant to create jobs for the youth in deprived communities.
It forms part of the government’s desire to reduce rural poverty and improve the quality of the environment and contribute significantly to food security by increasing food production.
The Director of Plantation Review Performance, Mr Francis Amoah, who announced this at Akyawkrom in the Ashanti Region during a performance review meeting, stated that the programme was being implemented in degraded forest areas and outside the degraded forest reserves.
The agenda of the meeting included an overview of the performance of the NFPDP since it was launched in January this year.
It also discussed natural forest operations and the challenges from the various regions where the programme has started.
Also on the agenda was the performance report on the establishment and maintenance of plantations by contractors, as well as seedling production and distribution.
ECOTECH, ZOIL Services and African Foresters Brigade are the local contractors executing the programme.
Mr Amoah stated that this year, 30,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves and areas outside the reserves would be covered.
He said the programme would also cover 100 districts in the country and gave assurance that the remaining districts would be brought on board next year.
He said the Forest Research Institute, the Ghana National Fire Service, non-governmental organisations, traditional rulers, among others, were collaborating to ensure that the programme achieved its objectives.
Monday, August 16, 2010
JACHIE PRAMSO SCHOOL PTA CONTRUCTS BOYS' DORMITORY (PAGE 11, AUGUST 16, 2010)
THE Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of Jachie Pramso Senior High School (JAPASS) is sponsoring the construction of a boys dormitory to enable the school to increase its enrolment for the 2010/2011 academic year.
The project, estimated at GH¢40,000 would accommodate 150 students.
Constructional works which started barely a week ago are supposed to be completed by the end of September to enable the school to accommodate new entrants.
The PTA’s gesture was as a result of the problem of congestion at the boys dormitory over the years, compelling students to struggle for space at the dormitory
At the moment ,the one storey boys dormitory at JAPASS built in 1980 that accommodates 200 students, now takes 371 students.
When Daily Graphic visited the site, the foundation for 150 capacity boys dormitory was underway, and the Headmistress, Ms Asuande Eshun-Famiyeh, was supervising .
She said even with the current student population of 1,362 the congestion of the boys dormitory was intense and likely to increase.
On classrooms, she said, the government was sponsoring the construction of a six-classroom block but the project was delaying unduly.
Explaining, she said “ the sod cutting for the project was done two months ago , but it is still at the foundation level, indicating that it would not be completed by the time school reopens in September”.
The project, estimated at GH¢40,000 would accommodate 150 students.
Constructional works which started barely a week ago are supposed to be completed by the end of September to enable the school to accommodate new entrants.
The PTA’s gesture was as a result of the problem of congestion at the boys dormitory over the years, compelling students to struggle for space at the dormitory
At the moment ,the one storey boys dormitory at JAPASS built in 1980 that accommodates 200 students, now takes 371 students.
When Daily Graphic visited the site, the foundation for 150 capacity boys dormitory was underway, and the Headmistress, Ms Asuande Eshun-Famiyeh, was supervising .
She said even with the current student population of 1,362 the congestion of the boys dormitory was intense and likely to increase.
On classrooms, she said, the government was sponsoring the construction of a six-classroom block but the project was delaying unduly.
Explaining, she said “ the sod cutting for the project was done two months ago , but it is still at the foundation level, indicating that it would not be completed by the time school reopens in September”.
GNAAT ROLLS OUT POLICY FOR YOUNG TEACHERS (PAGE 11, AUGUST 16, 2010)
THE Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has rolled out a policy to build the academic and professional acumen of young teachers to enhance their career progression.
GNAT is also rolling out a management capacity building for young teachers to entice and retain the best brains in the profession to enable them actively participate in the organisation of operational programmes of its members.
That, according to the association, would make it possible for the beneficiaries to respond positively to issues related to national development.
At a media interaction in Kumasi on the wings of GNAT National Executive Council meeting, the President of GNAT, Mr Paul A. Apanga, said as part of the measures to meet the needs of young teachers, GNAT would organise orientation courses and in-service training programmes for young teachers to sharpen their skills.
He said the association would also “encourage those with the flair for writing text books to do so, and also institute a mechanism to identify those with professional deficiencies and support them to deliver”.
He also assured that young teachers would be adequately prepared towards leadership positions with the GNAT, explaining that, “ in pursuit of this, these teachers are going to be encouraged to put themselves up for elected positions at all levels,
Explaining he said “ a full-time National Youth Co-ordinator is to be appointed to co-ordinate the affairs of the youthful teachers in the Association”.
He said already, the National Council of GNAT “has tasked members of the Youth Policy Drafting Committee to fast track the preparation of the Implementation strategy for the implementation of the Youth Policy in the Association”
On the amendment of the 1992 Constitution, Mr Apanga said members had proposed that the President of the Republic holds office for a term of five years to allow him/her more time to execute his/her agenda.
He said the GNAT was also of the view that the tenure of parliamentarians should be extended to five years instead of the current four year term.
On the office of the Attorney General, Mr Apanga reiterated the need for the office to be separated totally from that of any ministerial position.
“ GNAT is of the opinion that, the Attorney General of Ghana should not be a Minister of State, the Attorney General shall discharge such other duties of legal nature imposed on him by this constitution or any other law” he noted
GNAT is also rolling out a management capacity building for young teachers to entice and retain the best brains in the profession to enable them actively participate in the organisation of operational programmes of its members.
That, according to the association, would make it possible for the beneficiaries to respond positively to issues related to national development.
At a media interaction in Kumasi on the wings of GNAT National Executive Council meeting, the President of GNAT, Mr Paul A. Apanga, said as part of the measures to meet the needs of young teachers, GNAT would organise orientation courses and in-service training programmes for young teachers to sharpen their skills.
He said the association would also “encourage those with the flair for writing text books to do so, and also institute a mechanism to identify those with professional deficiencies and support them to deliver”.
He also assured that young teachers would be adequately prepared towards leadership positions with the GNAT, explaining that, “ in pursuit of this, these teachers are going to be encouraged to put themselves up for elected positions at all levels,
Explaining he said “ a full-time National Youth Co-ordinator is to be appointed to co-ordinate the affairs of the youthful teachers in the Association”.
He said already, the National Council of GNAT “has tasked members of the Youth Policy Drafting Committee to fast track the preparation of the Implementation strategy for the implementation of the Youth Policy in the Association”
On the amendment of the 1992 Constitution, Mr Apanga said members had proposed that the President of the Republic holds office for a term of five years to allow him/her more time to execute his/her agenda.
He said the GNAT was also of the view that the tenure of parliamentarians should be extended to five years instead of the current four year term.
On the office of the Attorney General, Mr Apanga reiterated the need for the office to be separated totally from that of any ministerial position.
“ GNAT is of the opinion that, the Attorney General of Ghana should not be a Minister of State, the Attorney General shall discharge such other duties of legal nature imposed on him by this constitution or any other law” he noted
Sunday, August 15, 2010
WORK ON KATH EYE CLINIC BEGINS (BACK PAGE, AUGUST 14, 2010)
WORK on the construction work on a new eye centre at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has begun.
The project, which is expected to be completed in 12 months, is estimated to cost $1 million. It is being funded jointly by KATH, through its internally generated resources, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
On completion, the centre will be equipped with an outpatient facility, three theatres, a 50-bed capacity ward and a training department.
Cutting the sod for work to begin, the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo, commended the board, management and staff of KATH for their initiative which had made it possible for them to generate the needed financial resources to support the funding of such an important project.
He also commended the HCP and the Latter-Day Saints for their sense of commitment to support the treatment of eye diseases in the country.
Mr Nunnoo said the project was key to the agenda of the government, explaining that it would complement the Health Ministry’s drive to expand health facilities designed to eliminate avoidable eye problems such as cataract.
Currently, he said, there were about 184,000 Ghanaians suffering from different eye problems, while the country did not have adequate facilities and specialists to treat those patients.
He, therefore, hailed the sponsors for their gesture, saying the project would not only bring relief to patients but also facilitate the training of eye specialists for them to treat people suffering from eye defects.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, said the project, which will add to the infrastructure of the hospital, would reduce acute congestion at the teaching hospital’s eye clinic.
“Currently, the KATH Eye Clinic remains the main centre for providing specialist care in the northern half of the country, with a daily average OPD attendance of 300 patients,” he said.
Professor Adjei said notwithstanding its strategic importance in the health sector, “the Eye Clinic is one of the most congested areas in the hospital, while the performance of corrective surgeries to reverse avoidable blindness caused by cataract remains low”.
He expressed concern over inadequate land at the hospital to enhance the execution of future projects, saying, “The hospital is using its last vacant piece of land for this eye project.”
He said the hospital had no land to put up the Burns and Plastic Surgery block which had been earmarked to take off soon.
He, therefore, pleaded with the Ministry of Health to confer with the Ministry of Defence for the release of the adjoining military land to enable the hospital to expand its facilities.
The project, which is expected to be completed in 12 months, is estimated to cost $1 million. It is being funded jointly by KATH, through its internally generated resources, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
On completion, the centre will be equipped with an outpatient facility, three theatres, a 50-bed capacity ward and a training department.
Cutting the sod for work to begin, the Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo, commended the board, management and staff of KATH for their initiative which had made it possible for them to generate the needed financial resources to support the funding of such an important project.
He also commended the HCP and the Latter-Day Saints for their sense of commitment to support the treatment of eye diseases in the country.
Mr Nunnoo said the project was key to the agenda of the government, explaining that it would complement the Health Ministry’s drive to expand health facilities designed to eliminate avoidable eye problems such as cataract.
Currently, he said, there were about 184,000 Ghanaians suffering from different eye problems, while the country did not have adequate facilities and specialists to treat those patients.
He, therefore, hailed the sponsors for their gesture, saying the project would not only bring relief to patients but also facilitate the training of eye specialists for them to treat people suffering from eye defects.
The Chief Executive of KATH, Professor Ohene Adjei, said the project, which will add to the infrastructure of the hospital, would reduce acute congestion at the teaching hospital’s eye clinic.
“Currently, the KATH Eye Clinic remains the main centre for providing specialist care in the northern half of the country, with a daily average OPD attendance of 300 patients,” he said.
Professor Adjei said notwithstanding its strategic importance in the health sector, “the Eye Clinic is one of the most congested areas in the hospital, while the performance of corrective surgeries to reverse avoidable blindness caused by cataract remains low”.
He expressed concern over inadequate land at the hospital to enhance the execution of future projects, saying, “The hospital is using its last vacant piece of land for this eye project.”
He said the hospital had no land to put up the Burns and Plastic Surgery block which had been earmarked to take off soon.
He, therefore, pleaded with the Ministry of Health to confer with the Ministry of Defence for the release of the adjoining military land to enable the hospital to expand its facilities.
DEGREE PROGRAMME FOR MIDWIVES SOON (PAGE 11, AUGUST 14, 2010)
The Department of Nursing at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), is collaborating with three health institutions to fine-tune a proposal meant to establish a degree programme for midwives in Ghana.
The programme, expected to take off in 2011 at the KNUST, is designed to train students of midwifery in health training institutions for them to perform quality midwifery functions in a more effective and efficient manner.
The other collaborations are the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Family Health of the Ghana Health Service and the International Confederation of Midwives of West African College of Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science Midwifery degree programme is also expected to serve as potential workforce for further development of researchers on issues related to reproductive health.
About 20 participants from the Department of Nursing of KNUST, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the Ministry of Health, as well as the International Confederation of Midwives and the United Nations Family Planning Agency, among others, participated in the seminar.
In her address, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi of the International Confederation of Midwives, expressed concern about the lack of capacity building of midwives in the country.
She pointed out that inadequate incentives, coupled with the lack of initiatives to make the profession more attractive in terms of career development, among others, had contributed to discourage the youth from entering the profession.
The situation, he said, was having an impact on the issue of maternal mortality in the country, explaining that the few midwives were not able to address the needs of expectant mothers.
She pointed out that the degree programme for midwives would not only offer students in midwifery the opportunity to have career progression, but would also expand the intake of students who would be eager to work in the rural communities to address their healthcare needs, thereby enhancing the reproductive health of women in deprived communities.
“ The programme will improve the quality of training and service delivery, create a pool for midwives with reputable background and gather a pool of researchers to enhance the credibility of the profession locally and internationally,” she assured.
The Director of Human Resource of the MoH, Dr E Appiah-Denkyira, said it was important for stakeholders in the health sector to adequately address challenges confronting midwives as a way of enhancing reproductive health among women, adding that the challenges made the profession unattractive, and did not encourage the youth to venture to enter the field.
This, he said, would make it possible for the country to meet the targets of the Millennium Challenge Goals (MDGs).
He said about 65 per cent of midwives in the country were between the 50 to 55 year bracket, indicating that they would soon retire from the profession.
The programme, expected to take off in 2011 at the KNUST, is designed to train students of midwifery in health training institutions for them to perform quality midwifery functions in a more effective and efficient manner.
The other collaborations are the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Family Health of the Ghana Health Service and the International Confederation of Midwives of West African College of Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science Midwifery degree programme is also expected to serve as potential workforce for further development of researchers on issues related to reproductive health.
About 20 participants from the Department of Nursing of KNUST, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the Ministry of Health, as well as the International Confederation of Midwives and the United Nations Family Planning Agency, among others, participated in the seminar.
In her address, Dr Jemima Dennis-Antwi of the International Confederation of Midwives, expressed concern about the lack of capacity building of midwives in the country.
She pointed out that inadequate incentives, coupled with the lack of initiatives to make the profession more attractive in terms of career development, among others, had contributed to discourage the youth from entering the profession.
The situation, he said, was having an impact on the issue of maternal mortality in the country, explaining that the few midwives were not able to address the needs of expectant mothers.
She pointed out that the degree programme for midwives would not only offer students in midwifery the opportunity to have career progression, but would also expand the intake of students who would be eager to work in the rural communities to address their healthcare needs, thereby enhancing the reproductive health of women in deprived communities.
“ The programme will improve the quality of training and service delivery, create a pool for midwives with reputable background and gather a pool of researchers to enhance the credibility of the profession locally and internationally,” she assured.
The Director of Human Resource of the MoH, Dr E Appiah-Denkyira, said it was important for stakeholders in the health sector to adequately address challenges confronting midwives as a way of enhancing reproductive health among women, adding that the challenges made the profession unattractive, and did not encourage the youth to venture to enter the field.
This, he said, would make it possible for the country to meet the targets of the Millennium Challenge Goals (MDGs).
He said about 65 per cent of midwives in the country were between the 50 to 55 year bracket, indicating that they would soon retire from the profession.
COLLABORATE TO PRODUCE ESSENTIAL DRUGS LOCALLY (PAGE 3, AUGUST 14, 2010)
President John Evans Atta Mills has challenged pharmacists to collaborate with research institutions to produce essential drugs locally.
He said pharmacists in partnership with the government could transform the pharmaceutical industry to “make Ghana the India of Africa in so far as the production of medicines is concerned”.
In an address read on his behalf at the 75th anniversary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) in Kumasi, President Mills assured the society of his government’s support to make Ghana take her rightful place in the production and export of essential medicines.
He said the government would provide the enabling regulatory and investment environment to enable the pharmaceutical industry to thrive.
“Our expectation is that members of your society would work hard and form local and international partnerships to bring in the necessary financial and technical resources to make Ghana a world leader in the production and export of pharmaceuticals.”
The diamond jubilee celebration of the PSGH was on the theme: “PSGH @75: Celebrating the Contributions of Pharmacists to National Development.”
It was attended by many dignitaries including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Mr Clavender Bright Parker, the Liberian ambassador to Ghana. The Asantehene was honoured with an honorary associate member of the PSGH.
He was presented with a plaque and a citation for his meaningful contributions to the development of both education and health in the country.
President Mills said since the government could not lead in initiating the production of essential medicines for both local consumption and export alone, “ contributions from pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists should never be exhausted”.
President Mills commended the PSGH for their contributions to the sustainable socio-economic development of the country, “especially those who use their personal resources to provide the much needed medicines for pregnant women in need or children whose parents cannot afford an essential medicine”.
The President of the PSGH, Dr Alexander Nii Oto Dodoo, said without pharmacists, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would neither have taken off nor survived.
Dr Dodoo said pharmacists and the PSGH were alarmed that “some of the laws completely ignore pharmacy, whilst others do not reflect the views, wishes of the whole body of pharmacy”.
Responding to the honour bestowed on him, Otumfuo Osei Tutu commended the PSGH for their contribution to national development, and encouraged them to delve into programmes that would make it possible for them to expand their horizons.
He pointed out that such initiatives would make it possible for them to meet the challenges in the industry. Otumfuo Osei Tutu also challenged them to wage war against the flooding of the local markets with fake drugs, stressing that the influx of fake drugs into the country was too alarming.
He said pharmacists in partnership with the government could transform the pharmaceutical industry to “make Ghana the India of Africa in so far as the production of medicines is concerned”.
In an address read on his behalf at the 75th anniversary of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) in Kumasi, President Mills assured the society of his government’s support to make Ghana take her rightful place in the production and export of essential medicines.
He said the government would provide the enabling regulatory and investment environment to enable the pharmaceutical industry to thrive.
“Our expectation is that members of your society would work hard and form local and international partnerships to bring in the necessary financial and technical resources to make Ghana a world leader in the production and export of pharmaceuticals.”
The diamond jubilee celebration of the PSGH was on the theme: “PSGH @75: Celebrating the Contributions of Pharmacists to National Development.”
It was attended by many dignitaries including the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Mr Clavender Bright Parker, the Liberian ambassador to Ghana. The Asantehene was honoured with an honorary associate member of the PSGH.
He was presented with a plaque and a citation for his meaningful contributions to the development of both education and health in the country.
President Mills said since the government could not lead in initiating the production of essential medicines for both local consumption and export alone, “ contributions from pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists should never be exhausted”.
President Mills commended the PSGH for their contributions to the sustainable socio-economic development of the country, “especially those who use their personal resources to provide the much needed medicines for pregnant women in need or children whose parents cannot afford an essential medicine”.
The President of the PSGH, Dr Alexander Nii Oto Dodoo, said without pharmacists, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) would neither have taken off nor survived.
Dr Dodoo said pharmacists and the PSGH were alarmed that “some of the laws completely ignore pharmacy, whilst others do not reflect the views, wishes of the whole body of pharmacy”.
Responding to the honour bestowed on him, Otumfuo Osei Tutu commended the PSGH for their contribution to national development, and encouraged them to delve into programmes that would make it possible for them to expand their horizons.
He pointed out that such initiatives would make it possible for them to meet the challenges in the industry. Otumfuo Osei Tutu also challenged them to wage war against the flooding of the local markets with fake drugs, stressing that the influx of fake drugs into the country was too alarming.
Friday, August 13, 2010
CONDEMNED PRISONER DIES BEFORE HIS DEATH (PAGE 27, AUGUST 14, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
Just a day after a 25-year-old man was slapped with the death sentence by a seven- man jury at a Kumasi High court, he collapsed and died at the Kumasi Central Prison where he was awaiting his fate.
Tambla Frafra, who was sentenced to death by hanging on July 29, 2010, was found writhing in pains in his cells and died before he could receive medical support.
After almost one and half year trial by the court, presided over by Justice Jacob Boon, on a charge of murder, the jury pronounced a verdict of guilty on Tambla.
This was after the judge had given the facts of the case and also summarised the facts presented by the five witnesses called to help the court in adjudicating the case.
Tambla was found guilty for murdering his half brother, Yaabah Zah, 23 , on March 27, 2009.
He was charged with murder for assaulting his half brother, whom he lived with in an uncompleted building at Old Tafo by hitting his head with a piece of wood and block, causing severe injuries, resulting in his death on the spot.
He was arrested by members of the family and handed over to the police to assist in their investigations.
Tambla Frafra was charged with murder after the completion of police investigations which started on March 2009.
Presenting the facts before the court, a Senior State Attorney, Mr Richmond Osei Hwere, said Tambla and his late half brother, stayed in an uncompleted structure at Old Tafo in Kumasi.
He said on March 27, 2009, a misunderstanding ensued between the two which led to a fight.
He said the two combatants were separated by sympathisers , but late in the day, a quarrel arose again, and in the cause of the fight, Tambla took a piece of wood and hit the head of the half brother repeatedly.
He said, not satisfied with his action, Tambla again took a block and smashed it on the head of the brother, causing severe injuries and making him bleed profusely.
He said police went to the scene and retrieved the piece of wood and block used in assaulting the brother.
He said, in his statement, Tambla confessed assaulting his half brother and an autopsy report indicated that Zah’s death was as a result of excessive bleeding sustained from the head injuries.
Just a day after a 25-year-old man was slapped with the death sentence by a seven- man jury at a Kumasi High court, he collapsed and died at the Kumasi Central Prison where he was awaiting his fate.
Tambla Frafra, who was sentenced to death by hanging on July 29, 2010, was found writhing in pains in his cells and died before he could receive medical support.
After almost one and half year trial by the court, presided over by Justice Jacob Boon, on a charge of murder, the jury pronounced a verdict of guilty on Tambla.
This was after the judge had given the facts of the case and also summarised the facts presented by the five witnesses called to help the court in adjudicating the case.
Tambla was found guilty for murdering his half brother, Yaabah Zah, 23 , on March 27, 2009.
He was charged with murder for assaulting his half brother, whom he lived with in an uncompleted building at Old Tafo by hitting his head with a piece of wood and block, causing severe injuries, resulting in his death on the spot.
He was arrested by members of the family and handed over to the police to assist in their investigations.
Tambla Frafra was charged with murder after the completion of police investigations which started on March 2009.
Presenting the facts before the court, a Senior State Attorney, Mr Richmond Osei Hwere, said Tambla and his late half brother, stayed in an uncompleted structure at Old Tafo in Kumasi.
He said on March 27, 2009, a misunderstanding ensued between the two which led to a fight.
He said the two combatants were separated by sympathisers , but late in the day, a quarrel arose again, and in the cause of the fight, Tambla took a piece of wood and hit the head of the half brother repeatedly.
He said, not satisfied with his action, Tambla again took a block and smashed it on the head of the brother, causing severe injuries and making him bleed profusely.
He said police went to the scene and retrieved the piece of wood and block used in assaulting the brother.
He said, in his statement, Tambla confessed assaulting his half brother and an autopsy report indicated that Zah’s death was as a result of excessive bleeding sustained from the head injuries.
NPP'S NOVELTY CONGRESS: ANY LESSONS?...Views from Kumasi (MIRROR, PAGE 31, AUGUST 14, 2010)
TO me, last Saturday’s election of the NPP flag bearer was wonderful.
The manner in which party members embraced the system was unique, in that they conducted themselves very well, thereby reducing tension associated with such elections.
I think NPP should further expand this system to every card- bearing member of the party to offer them a unique opportunity of taking part in electing their leader.
This will give every member the opportunity to be part of the decision making process.
If this is done, it will also sober party leaders, knowing that without the ordinary person, they could not be elected into high office.
With this, leaders would also be committed to honour promises, because at the back of their minds they would acknowledge the support offered by the people and realise that failing to honour promises would lead to their rejection in future.
It is my opinion that other political parties should adopt and improve upon this innovation.
In the American system, they vote state after state on different dates, but that of NPP was on the same date and time, so it should be encouraged.
Previously, there were just a handful of people picking the leader of a party for the rest of the members.
This was not the best, so this is the beginning of good things to come.
Having come to this level, I hope the concept would be further developed to firmly entrench democracy in the country.
With this, the choice of a candidate would be the choice of majority of the people.
With the 78 per cent victory of Nana Akufo-Addo, it shows that he has the support of party faithful across the country
Another issue was that the perception of manipulation was not feasible so the question of influencing delegates at the last minute was not visible.
This is not only widening internal democracy, but deepening the participatory aspect of it.
The sense of belongingness was also felt. With this, the electorate are directly telling their leaders to open up. African leaders who think they are popular should go to the people, let them get elected before they become their leader.
THE just ended NPP delegates congress that elected Nana Akufo -Addo as the flag bearer is historic, in that it has brought to the fore the need for African politicians to allow the ordinary person to be part of the king making process.
Given the nature of the elections and the manner in which it was conducted on August 7, 2010, it has enhanced democratic principles in the party.
This is because the process has recognised the ordinary people who have a stake in the party.
Because there was much participation in the process of electing the flag bearer, I am certain that many of the party members would be actively involved in issues that promote the interest of the party, especially during the 2012 election campaign.
In the past, just a handful of people took part in electing leaders of the various political parties.
I think this was not the best because it indicated that just a few decided for the majority.
The NPP has proven that when many people actively participate in deciding who should be their leader, they also owe such a leader every support and encouragement they can give.
With the NPP election now history, the expectation is that delegates would rally all the needed support for their leader so as to whip up interest in others to also support his candidature.
The way it was conducted also reduced the tension associated in gathering all delegates together to elect their leader.
I hope the other political parties have taken note and would improve upon it to enhance democracy at the grassroots.
Ghana is the winner because we have proved once again that we have something to offer the continent.
THE just ended NPP delegates congress shows that our democracy is growing.
As compared to the previous ones where delegates converged at a particular venue to elect their flag bearer, this was a bigger representation of party supporters, which is very positive so far as the democratic dispensation in the country was concerned.
As compared to previous congresses, this was cheaper. The cost of bringing delegates from all corners of the country, accommodating and feeding them, was more expensive than just offering them transport fares to go to a particular constituency to cast their votes.
The tensed atmosphere witnessed during previous occasions were not visible here because delegates met as one family to elect a leader of their choice.
Because there seemed to be no better representation of delegates when a few members were selected to elect a leader, it sometimes created a tensed atmosphere , creating suspicion among voters.
Previously, before converging at a venue to elect a leader, there were accusations of vote buying, lobbying and coercion, and this created a state of anxiety among the hierarchy of members at the grassroots.
Last Saturday’s election was quite transparent, because many people were privy to what was happening, and those who represented their party better served the interest of the ordinary person.
It is my hope that the other political parties would either adopt this innovation or improve upon it to enhance democratic dispensation in the country, because it was more transparent, less tensed and cost effective.
THE just ended NPP delegates congress was a landmark for democracy not only in Ghana, but the entire African continent.
There is the need to commend the entire party members, their executives and all the people involved during the electoral process.
The candidates and the electorates should also be commended for how they comported themselves and organised the entire programme.
As compared to the previous ones where a handful of delegates converged at a particular venue to elect a leader, over 100,000 delegates were actively involved in this particular exercise.
In terms of numbers, therefore, there were larger representations this time around. This, I believe, made it very difficult for a particular candidate to manipulate the voters.
With over 100,000 delegates showing their solidarity, it implied that the winner had a wider representation of support across the country.
He could therefore count on them to actively canvass for him or her during the main general elections.
In terms of logistics and organisation, I am certain that the cost of this election was higher than the previous ones.
This was because organising the security personnel to see to it that things went on smoothly, coordinating agents for each of the candidates to see to their interest, as well as coordinating the operations of the Electoral Commission in all the 230 constituencies, cost a lot of money, but in the end it had much impact on the democratic dispensation in the country.
In terms of efficiency, it was better and I think it would be of interest for the other parties to closely study it and see what they can do about it.
They may have different ways of improving upon it, but if they could involve as many party supporters to be involved in such a process at the primaries, all the better.
THE expansion of the delegates congress will inspire not only the delegates, but other family members to be actively involved in partisan politics.
This was the first time since independence that as many as 100,000 people took part in electing a leader for a particular party.
This should be commended, and with the flag bearer winning over 70 percent votes across Ghana, it implies that he commands a lot of support.
With many people also taking part in electing a leader, the confidence level of the electorates would soar high and offer them the vigour to be part of every programme of the party during elections.
The expectation is that the other political parties would see it as an innovation and devise means of adding to it.
Across the country, I realised that the victory of Nana Akufo-Addo did not create any form of bitterness among either candidates or their supporters. This proves that gradually the country is getting far in her democratic processes. The results also did not create any form of bitterness among the losers.
Elections should not incite the public to be at each other’s throat as pertains in certain parts of the country.
After elections, there is the need to rally behind the winner. Political campaigns should also be devoid of rancour, bitterness and violence as it creates tension in the country.
I hope the other political parties would also involve as many electorates as possible to entrench democratic principles in the country.
LAST Saturday’s NPP delegates congress was simply marvellous.
This was because for the first time in the history of electing the flag bearer of a party in this country, over 100,000 people across the country actively participated.
Recognising ordinary persons as king makers to elect a leader offers them due respect and fulfilment.
This would not only make them special in their own communities, but also inspire them to get involved with the campaigns during the general elections.
With this recognition, they would be able to whip up interest among people who refuse to exercise their franchise during general elections.
It is very important for as many people as possible to exercise their franchise during elections to ensure that a leader who emerges would have the support of majority of the electorate.
People exhibit apathy during important exercises like elections.
This could be traced to the few who have constituted themselves as king makers, denying many the opportunity to take part in such exercises.
Rumours of being influenced financially for votes during delegates congresses are very rife, and with the NPP showing the way that as many people could be involved in electing their leader, the onus lies on other political parties to study and improve upon it.
The peaceful nature of the exercise also needs my commendation.
It proved that gradually, Ghanaians are becoming more mature when it comes to deciding on issues.
Elections should not create any tensed atmosphere as sometimes happens in parts of the country, so my expectation is that people would learn to appreciate and respect each others views to enhance peaceful co-existence.
The manner in which party members embraced the system was unique, in that they conducted themselves very well, thereby reducing tension associated with such elections.
I think NPP should further expand this system to every card- bearing member of the party to offer them a unique opportunity of taking part in electing their leader.
This will give every member the opportunity to be part of the decision making process.
If this is done, it will also sober party leaders, knowing that without the ordinary person, they could not be elected into high office.
With this, leaders would also be committed to honour promises, because at the back of their minds they would acknowledge the support offered by the people and realise that failing to honour promises would lead to their rejection in future.
It is my opinion that other political parties should adopt and improve upon this innovation.
In the American system, they vote state after state on different dates, but that of NPP was on the same date and time, so it should be encouraged.
Previously, there were just a handful of people picking the leader of a party for the rest of the members.
This was not the best, so this is the beginning of good things to come.
Having come to this level, I hope the concept would be further developed to firmly entrench democracy in the country.
With this, the choice of a candidate would be the choice of majority of the people.
With the 78 per cent victory of Nana Akufo-Addo, it shows that he has the support of party faithful across the country
Another issue was that the perception of manipulation was not feasible so the question of influencing delegates at the last minute was not visible.
This is not only widening internal democracy, but deepening the participatory aspect of it.
The sense of belongingness was also felt. With this, the electorate are directly telling their leaders to open up. African leaders who think they are popular should go to the people, let them get elected before they become their leader.
THE just ended NPP delegates congress that elected Nana Akufo -Addo as the flag bearer is historic, in that it has brought to the fore the need for African politicians to allow the ordinary person to be part of the king making process.
Given the nature of the elections and the manner in which it was conducted on August 7, 2010, it has enhanced democratic principles in the party.
This is because the process has recognised the ordinary people who have a stake in the party.
Because there was much participation in the process of electing the flag bearer, I am certain that many of the party members would be actively involved in issues that promote the interest of the party, especially during the 2012 election campaign.
In the past, just a handful of people took part in electing leaders of the various political parties.
I think this was not the best because it indicated that just a few decided for the majority.
The NPP has proven that when many people actively participate in deciding who should be their leader, they also owe such a leader every support and encouragement they can give.
With the NPP election now history, the expectation is that delegates would rally all the needed support for their leader so as to whip up interest in others to also support his candidature.
The way it was conducted also reduced the tension associated in gathering all delegates together to elect their leader.
I hope the other political parties have taken note and would improve upon it to enhance democracy at the grassroots.
Ghana is the winner because we have proved once again that we have something to offer the continent.
THE just ended NPP delegates congress shows that our democracy is growing.
As compared to the previous ones where delegates converged at a particular venue to elect their flag bearer, this was a bigger representation of party supporters, which is very positive so far as the democratic dispensation in the country was concerned.
As compared to previous congresses, this was cheaper. The cost of bringing delegates from all corners of the country, accommodating and feeding them, was more expensive than just offering them transport fares to go to a particular constituency to cast their votes.
The tensed atmosphere witnessed during previous occasions were not visible here because delegates met as one family to elect a leader of their choice.
Because there seemed to be no better representation of delegates when a few members were selected to elect a leader, it sometimes created a tensed atmosphere , creating suspicion among voters.
Previously, before converging at a venue to elect a leader, there were accusations of vote buying, lobbying and coercion, and this created a state of anxiety among the hierarchy of members at the grassroots.
Last Saturday’s election was quite transparent, because many people were privy to what was happening, and those who represented their party better served the interest of the ordinary person.
It is my hope that the other political parties would either adopt this innovation or improve upon it to enhance democratic dispensation in the country, because it was more transparent, less tensed and cost effective.
THE just ended NPP delegates congress was a landmark for democracy not only in Ghana, but the entire African continent.
There is the need to commend the entire party members, their executives and all the people involved during the electoral process.
The candidates and the electorates should also be commended for how they comported themselves and organised the entire programme.
As compared to the previous ones where a handful of delegates converged at a particular venue to elect a leader, over 100,000 delegates were actively involved in this particular exercise.
In terms of numbers, therefore, there were larger representations this time around. This, I believe, made it very difficult for a particular candidate to manipulate the voters.
With over 100,000 delegates showing their solidarity, it implied that the winner had a wider representation of support across the country.
He could therefore count on them to actively canvass for him or her during the main general elections.
In terms of logistics and organisation, I am certain that the cost of this election was higher than the previous ones.
This was because organising the security personnel to see to it that things went on smoothly, coordinating agents for each of the candidates to see to their interest, as well as coordinating the operations of the Electoral Commission in all the 230 constituencies, cost a lot of money, but in the end it had much impact on the democratic dispensation in the country.
In terms of efficiency, it was better and I think it would be of interest for the other parties to closely study it and see what they can do about it.
They may have different ways of improving upon it, but if they could involve as many party supporters to be involved in such a process at the primaries, all the better.
THE expansion of the delegates congress will inspire not only the delegates, but other family members to be actively involved in partisan politics.
This was the first time since independence that as many as 100,000 people took part in electing a leader for a particular party.
This should be commended, and with the flag bearer winning over 70 percent votes across Ghana, it implies that he commands a lot of support.
With many people also taking part in electing a leader, the confidence level of the electorates would soar high and offer them the vigour to be part of every programme of the party during elections.
The expectation is that the other political parties would see it as an innovation and devise means of adding to it.
Across the country, I realised that the victory of Nana Akufo-Addo did not create any form of bitterness among either candidates or their supporters. This proves that gradually the country is getting far in her democratic processes. The results also did not create any form of bitterness among the losers.
Elections should not incite the public to be at each other’s throat as pertains in certain parts of the country.
After elections, there is the need to rally behind the winner. Political campaigns should also be devoid of rancour, bitterness and violence as it creates tension in the country.
I hope the other political parties would also involve as many electorates as possible to entrench democratic principles in the country.
LAST Saturday’s NPP delegates congress was simply marvellous.
This was because for the first time in the history of electing the flag bearer of a party in this country, over 100,000 people across the country actively participated.
Recognising ordinary persons as king makers to elect a leader offers them due respect and fulfilment.
This would not only make them special in their own communities, but also inspire them to get involved with the campaigns during the general elections.
With this recognition, they would be able to whip up interest among people who refuse to exercise their franchise during general elections.
It is very important for as many people as possible to exercise their franchise during elections to ensure that a leader who emerges would have the support of majority of the electorate.
People exhibit apathy during important exercises like elections.
This could be traced to the few who have constituted themselves as king makers, denying many the opportunity to take part in such exercises.
Rumours of being influenced financially for votes during delegates congresses are very rife, and with the NPP showing the way that as many people could be involved in electing their leader, the onus lies on other political parties to study and improve upon it.
The peaceful nature of the exercise also needs my commendation.
It proved that gradually, Ghanaians are becoming more mature when it comes to deciding on issues.
Elections should not create any tensed atmosphere as sometimes happens in parts of the country, so my expectation is that people would learn to appreciate and respect each others views to enhance peaceful co-existence.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
MFANTSE COMMUNITY IN ASHANTI ORGANISES FESTIVAL (PAGE 18, AUGUST 10, 2010)
The Mfantse community in the Ashanti region has organised a grand festival in Kumasi to mark their settlement in the region.
The is the second time the festival which is on the theme: ‘Using ethnicity to promote national peace and cohesion’ is being organised to mark their stay in the region.
According to the organisers, the grand festival, which was held at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi, provided an opportunity for the Mfantse community to “meet and pay a fitting tribute to their forefathers through whom all came to live in the Ashanti Region”.
Remarking on the festival, the Media Co-ordinator, Nana Amamoo Baidoo, said it was also an occasion for them to express their appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Asanteman for their kind hospitality towards all Fantes living within Ashanti.
A programme line up made available to the Daily Graphic noted that as part of the festivities, a clean-up exercise was organised.
The Mfantse community also visited the Kumasi Children’s Home on August 7, 2010 to interact with the children.
As part of the visit, they donated food items, clothing and cash to the children.
On August 14, 2010, a soccer gala will be organised at the Asem School park where the youth would compete for a trophy.
As part of the gala competition, which will be held between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., assorted Mfantse dishes will be on display to feed soccer fans who will converge at the park.
The grand durbar, which will climax the occasion on August 21, 2010 will see the 2008 flag bearer of Convention People’s party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, as the guest of honour.
Other dignitaries who are expected grace the occasion are the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Mr Isaac Osei, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Samuel Sarpong, and the former Trade Minister, Mr Alan Kyeremanten.
Other invited guests are the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr F.F. Anto, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Yaw Obimpeh, and the Anomabu Mpuntuhen Nana Egir Aggrey II.
The is the second time the festival which is on the theme: ‘Using ethnicity to promote national peace and cohesion’ is being organised to mark their stay in the region.
According to the organisers, the grand festival, which was held at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi, provided an opportunity for the Mfantse community to “meet and pay a fitting tribute to their forefathers through whom all came to live in the Ashanti Region”.
Remarking on the festival, the Media Co-ordinator, Nana Amamoo Baidoo, said it was also an occasion for them to express their appreciation to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Asanteman for their kind hospitality towards all Fantes living within Ashanti.
A programme line up made available to the Daily Graphic noted that as part of the festivities, a clean-up exercise was organised.
The Mfantse community also visited the Kumasi Children’s Home on August 7, 2010 to interact with the children.
As part of the visit, they donated food items, clothing and cash to the children.
On August 14, 2010, a soccer gala will be organised at the Asem School park where the youth would compete for a trophy.
As part of the gala competition, which will be held between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., assorted Mfantse dishes will be on display to feed soccer fans who will converge at the park.
The grand durbar, which will climax the occasion on August 21, 2010 will see the 2008 flag bearer of Convention People’s party (CPP), Dr Paa Kwasi Nduom, as the guest of honour.
Other dignitaries who are expected grace the occasion are the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kofi Opoku Manu, the Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, the Member of Parliament for Subin, Mr Isaac Osei, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Samuel Sarpong, and the former Trade Minister, Mr Alan Kyeremanten.
Other invited guests are the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr F.F. Anto, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Yaw Obimpeh, and the Anomabu Mpuntuhen Nana Egir Aggrey II.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
MIDWIVES URGED TO HELP MATERNAL MORTALITY (PAGE 46, AUGUST 9, 2010)
Authorities at the St Patrick’s Midwifery Training School have organised their maiden graduation programme, with a call on the graduates to be at the forefront of the crusade to curb maternal mortality in the country.
The new midwives were also asked to be proficient and affable in providing services for expectant mothers and encourage them to seek medical services at regular intervals to keep them healthy, thereby enhancing safe delivery.
The Principal of the training school, Mrs Alice Donkor, who made the call during the ceremony, said curbing maternal mortality in Ghana would contribute more meaningfully to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The midwifery training school, which was established 48 years ago, used to offer a two-year certificate course for Enrolled Nurses and Midwives.
However, the Enrolled Nursing programme was phased out in the 80’s, while the Midwifery certificate continued until 2006 when it was replaced with a three-year diploma programme. The first batch graduated on Saturday, July 17, 2010.
Collaboration among the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, the Ministry of Health and the Nurses and Midwives Council made it possible for the diploma programme to take off in the school in 2006.
In all, 37 midwives graduated last Saturday, with 100 per cent passes.
Two of the graduates had distinction in Midwifery, with 23 obtaining credits in one or more courses, while 12 of them had passes in all courses.
Commending the graduates for blazing the trail for academic excellence, Mrs Donkor expressed concern over the deplorable infrastructure in the school which made it impossible for it to admit more students for the midwifery programme.
In an address read on his behalf, the Archbishop of the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, the Most Reverend Thomas Kwaku Mensah, prayed for God’s guidance for the graduates as they began a career designed to serve mankind and God.
He said they were starting work at a time when the issue of abortion was generating a national debate.
He advised the graduands to make conscious effort to save lives, instead of destroying them, stressing that it was important for them to protect lives and they should, therefore, not be enticed to take any decision that would destroy life at any stage of pregnancy.
He also urged them to accept posting to rural communities to enable them to have fruitful interaction with women in deprived areas.
That, he said, would make women appreciate the essence of sourcing for medical care at the early stages of pregnancy.
In his address, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Alhaji Dr Mohammed Bin Ibrahim, said the graduands were assuming duty at a time when many midwives were reaching the retiring age.
Expressing concern over the rate of maternal mortality in the country, he said about 90 per cent of them were preventable and, therefore, challenged the graduands to educate women in their localities and also put up attitudes that would encourage women to access their services.
“The women are your clients and so you should accord them top priority in your operations. This is because without them you will have no jobs,” he said.
The new midwives were also asked to be proficient and affable in providing services for expectant mothers and encourage them to seek medical services at regular intervals to keep them healthy, thereby enhancing safe delivery.
The Principal of the training school, Mrs Alice Donkor, who made the call during the ceremony, said curbing maternal mortality in Ghana would contribute more meaningfully to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The midwifery training school, which was established 48 years ago, used to offer a two-year certificate course for Enrolled Nurses and Midwives.
However, the Enrolled Nursing programme was phased out in the 80’s, while the Midwifery certificate continued until 2006 when it was replaced with a three-year diploma programme. The first batch graduated on Saturday, July 17, 2010.
Collaboration among the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, the Ministry of Health and the Nurses and Midwives Council made it possible for the diploma programme to take off in the school in 2006.
In all, 37 midwives graduated last Saturday, with 100 per cent passes.
Two of the graduates had distinction in Midwifery, with 23 obtaining credits in one or more courses, while 12 of them had passes in all courses.
Commending the graduates for blazing the trail for academic excellence, Mrs Donkor expressed concern over the deplorable infrastructure in the school which made it impossible for it to admit more students for the midwifery programme.
In an address read on his behalf, the Archbishop of the Kumasi Catholic Archdiocese, the Most Reverend Thomas Kwaku Mensah, prayed for God’s guidance for the graduates as they began a career designed to serve mankind and God.
He said they were starting work at a time when the issue of abortion was generating a national debate.
He advised the graduands to make conscious effort to save lives, instead of destroying them, stressing that it was important for them to protect lives and they should, therefore, not be enticed to take any decision that would destroy life at any stage of pregnancy.
He also urged them to accept posting to rural communities to enable them to have fruitful interaction with women in deprived areas.
That, he said, would make women appreciate the essence of sourcing for medical care at the early stages of pregnancy.
In his address, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, Alhaji Dr Mohammed Bin Ibrahim, said the graduands were assuming duty at a time when many midwives were reaching the retiring age.
Expressing concern over the rate of maternal mortality in the country, he said about 90 per cent of them were preventable and, therefore, challenged the graduands to educate women in their localities and also put up attitudes that would encourage women to access their services.
“The women are your clients and so you should accord them top priority in your operations. This is because without them you will have no jobs,” he said.
WORKSHOP ON LAND USE MANAGEMENT HELD AT EJISU (PAGE 35, AUGUST 9, 2010)
THE Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Jonathan A. Allotey, has called on Ghanaians to regard land as a strategic asset that demands efficient management in terms of policies and plans to maximise output.
He explained that efficient utilisation of land would not only be a pre-condition for “Ghana to fully develop its potential in agricultural development, but would also enhance efficient output in the use of energy, industry and transportation system in the country.”
Addressing participants in a workshop to validate the draft framework for promoting sustainable land use management in agricultural communities in Ghana, Mr Allotey said land degradation had “a serious consequence for sustainable agricultural growth and productivity.”
The workshop, which was jointly organised by the Ministries of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), was attended by 35 participants drawn from the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) across the country.
It sought to sensitise the participants to devise means of promoting land management and agricultural landscape in the country.
Mr Allotey stated that many rural households depended directly on land resources for their livelihood because it was a critical resource for agricultural development that directly and indirectly generated much of the country’s income and employment.
“Land also provides critical environmental services and important biodiversity values,” he stressed.
Mr Allotey, however, expressed concern about the increased land degradation in the country and its effects on the socio-economic development, adding that “natural habitats and biodiversity are being lost as a result of persistent land degradation.”
He said “degradation severely compromises services, including nutrient cycling, regulation of hydrological flows, provision of natural resources, and amelioration of climatic extremes and floods.”
Mr Allotey said notwithstanding the efforts being made by MoFA, MEST and EPA in promoting land management and agricultural landscapes, “little or no effort was made at institutionalising a framework for community land use planning nationally.”
He said it was for that reason that all stakeholders should consider land as a strategic asset and undertake a strategic approach to its management in terms of policies, plans and programmes for environmental, agricultural, energy, industrial, transportation and other uses.
He explained that efficient utilisation of land would not only be a pre-condition for “Ghana to fully develop its potential in agricultural development, but would also enhance efficient output in the use of energy, industry and transportation system in the country.”
Addressing participants in a workshop to validate the draft framework for promoting sustainable land use management in agricultural communities in Ghana, Mr Allotey said land degradation had “a serious consequence for sustainable agricultural growth and productivity.”
The workshop, which was jointly organised by the Ministries of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), was attended by 35 participants drawn from the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) across the country.
It sought to sensitise the participants to devise means of promoting land management and agricultural landscape in the country.
Mr Allotey stated that many rural households depended directly on land resources for their livelihood because it was a critical resource for agricultural development that directly and indirectly generated much of the country’s income and employment.
“Land also provides critical environmental services and important biodiversity values,” he stressed.
Mr Allotey, however, expressed concern about the increased land degradation in the country and its effects on the socio-economic development, adding that “natural habitats and biodiversity are being lost as a result of persistent land degradation.”
He said “degradation severely compromises services, including nutrient cycling, regulation of hydrological flows, provision of natural resources, and amelioration of climatic extremes and floods.”
Mr Allotey said notwithstanding the efforts being made by MoFA, MEST and EPA in promoting land management and agricultural landscapes, “little or no effort was made at institutionalising a framework for community land use planning nationally.”
He said it was for that reason that all stakeholders should consider land as a strategic asset and undertake a strategic approach to its management in terms of policies, plans and programmes for environmental, agricultural, energy, industrial, transportation and other uses.
KNUST PRINTING PRESS GETS NEW MACHINES (PAGE 29, AUGUST 9, 2010)
THE management of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Printing Press has inaugurated five key print-production machines designed to improve the quality and quantity of printed materials in the university community and its environs.
The inauguration of the equipment was also intended to augment the existing ones in the university community and make the University Printing Press a one-stop printing house.
The inaugural ceremony coincided with the refurbishment of the University Printing House which had been in a deplorable state over a long period.
Funding for the project, estimated at GH¢350,000.00 was generated internally from the University Printing Press.
The equipment included an image setter, two colour MOZPS printing machine and a colour MO printing machine, as well as a digital guillotine and stitching machine.
Since the printing press was established in 1961 to provide printing and binding services for the various faculties, departments and units of the university, there had not been any significant maintenance.
The situation greatly undermined the quality and quantity of production, making it difficult for the management to meet the demands of their clients.
In his inaugural address, the Manager of the University Printing Press, Mr Michael Afrifa Darko, assured that “ the one-stop-press would not only offer the best practices in terms of printing various materials, but would also provide a major security printing outfit for both the university community and communities in the northern sector of the country.”
Recalling the history of the printing press, he said: “ 50 years ago, with a student population of about 1,000 and a handful of faculties and departments, the printing press, with its initial staff of seven, was able to meet the printing needs of the university community.”
He stressed that “over the period, technology had changed and most of the printing machines acquired in the 1960’s for the University Printing Press had virtually become obsolete, frequently breaking down, and it was always difficult to get parts for them.”
He explained that the continuous break down of the obsolete machines, cost of repairs and time of delivery among others, forced them to “ out-source jobs that require the use of high-tech printing machines.”
This, he said, undermined their efforts at meeting the cost of production to enable them generate the requisite profits to sustain their operations.
“ With the new machines and refurbishment, we have given the University Printing Press a businesslike outlook, which builds confidence and credibility and makes clients, especially those outside the university, want to do business with us,” he noted.
Mr Afrifa Darko said “it was, therefore, important for educational institutions, particularly those at the tertiary level, to access our facilities to produce their Multiple Choice Questions and staff appraisal scannable sheets, examinations answer booklets, registers, continuous assessment forms and other publications, including books.”
He said doing business with the press would also offer the needed security to tertiary institutions, regarding the printing of examination questions and other sensitive materials.
“ With 50 years of printing excellence and as general printers, we are also able to print a range of materials, including health stationary and corporate publications such as technical and annual reports, application forms, letter heads, calendars and bulletins among others,” he stressed.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, commended the board, management and staff of the University Printing Press for their sense of initiative, which had made it possible for them to bring life into the university community.
Professor Adarkwa explained that as a result of constant competition, the world of business was constantly changing, and urged the management of the press “to deliver enhanced print work on a competitive and cost effective basis.”
The inauguration of the equipment was also intended to augment the existing ones in the university community and make the University Printing Press a one-stop printing house.
The inaugural ceremony coincided with the refurbishment of the University Printing House which had been in a deplorable state over a long period.
Funding for the project, estimated at GH¢350,000.00 was generated internally from the University Printing Press.
The equipment included an image setter, two colour MOZPS printing machine and a colour MO printing machine, as well as a digital guillotine and stitching machine.
Since the printing press was established in 1961 to provide printing and binding services for the various faculties, departments and units of the university, there had not been any significant maintenance.
The situation greatly undermined the quality and quantity of production, making it difficult for the management to meet the demands of their clients.
In his inaugural address, the Manager of the University Printing Press, Mr Michael Afrifa Darko, assured that “ the one-stop-press would not only offer the best practices in terms of printing various materials, but would also provide a major security printing outfit for both the university community and communities in the northern sector of the country.”
Recalling the history of the printing press, he said: “ 50 years ago, with a student population of about 1,000 and a handful of faculties and departments, the printing press, with its initial staff of seven, was able to meet the printing needs of the university community.”
He stressed that “over the period, technology had changed and most of the printing machines acquired in the 1960’s for the University Printing Press had virtually become obsolete, frequently breaking down, and it was always difficult to get parts for them.”
He explained that the continuous break down of the obsolete machines, cost of repairs and time of delivery among others, forced them to “ out-source jobs that require the use of high-tech printing machines.”
This, he said, undermined their efforts at meeting the cost of production to enable them generate the requisite profits to sustain their operations.
“ With the new machines and refurbishment, we have given the University Printing Press a businesslike outlook, which builds confidence and credibility and makes clients, especially those outside the university, want to do business with us,” he noted.
Mr Afrifa Darko said “it was, therefore, important for educational institutions, particularly those at the tertiary level, to access our facilities to produce their Multiple Choice Questions and staff appraisal scannable sheets, examinations answer booklets, registers, continuous assessment forms and other publications, including books.”
He said doing business with the press would also offer the needed security to tertiary institutions, regarding the printing of examination questions and other sensitive materials.
“ With 50 years of printing excellence and as general printers, we are also able to print a range of materials, including health stationary and corporate publications such as technical and annual reports, application forms, letter heads, calendars and bulletins among others,” he stressed.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the KNUST, Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, commended the board, management and staff of the University Printing Press for their sense of initiative, which had made it possible for them to bring life into the university community.
Professor Adarkwa explained that as a result of constant competition, the world of business was constantly changing, and urged the management of the press “to deliver enhanced print work on a competitive and cost effective basis.”
Friday, August 6, 2010
THREE DRIVER'S MAES CONVICTED (MIRROR, PAGE 19, AUGUST 7, 2010)
From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi.
The desire of three driver's mates to ransack their neighbour and feed on the booty looted, backfired, when they were caught red handed after they had broken into the apartment and made away with quantities of electrical appliances, clothing and footwear estimated at GH¢3,800.
The three who, pleaded guilty to charges of intentionally and unlawfully causing damage, unlawful entry and stealing, were convicted on their own plea to serve five year jail term each by a Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr D.P.W. Amediour.
A day after Martin Abdulai , 21, had broken into the apartment at Sepe Dotim, a suburb of Kumasi and made away with quantities of valuable household items, he hinted two others, Sanusi Alhassan and Zaidu Kasim about his adventure and the booty he looted from the apartment and enticed them to try their luck.
Luck, however, eluded the two as they were caught red handed moments after they had succeeded in looting many electrical appliances including clothing and footwear from the apartment through a window they had broken and used as entry point.
They were arrested on July 17, 2010, a day after Martin Abdulai had broken into the apartment and a search conducted by the police made it possible for them to retrieve the items looted from the apartment at Sepe Dotim.
The items retrieved included two Sonny video cameras, three JVC video cameras, three football boots, two DVD players, three Philip speakers, six shoes, a digital clock, a digital camera ,a Samsung player, 12 VCD players, a travelling bag containing quantity of clothing, and sound system estimated at GH¢3,800.00
Giving the facts before the court, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Regina Addo Yobo, said the complainant has been taking care of an apartment at Sepe Dotim .
She explained that the owner had travelled abroad and left the apartment in the care of the complainant who is a businessman.
According to the prosecutor, the caretaker who is also a businessman always leaves for work during the daytime and returns late.
She said the convicts took advantage of the situation and on July 16, 2010, Martin Abdulai broke into the house by removing strong iron bars which had been built into a window .
She said during that operation, Abdulai succeeded in looting a number of electrical gadgets, clothing and household items from the apartment.
She said the items looted included two VCD decks , three football boots , three video cameras , three speakers , a travelling bag containing a number of items and documents as well as four shoes , 12 VCD players, a digital clock and adaptors.
DSP Addo Yobo said after the operation, Abdulai went to brief Sanusi Alhassan and Zaidu Kasim about his adventure and the booty he looted from the apartment and managed to entice them to try their luck , explaining that there would be no threat.
She said based on the assurance, Alhassan and Kasim also used the window as their entry point on July 17,2010 and made away with a number of items.
She said unfortunately for the two, the caretaker did not go to town that day and was washing when he heard an unusual noise.
According to the prosecutor, the caretaker succeeded in tracing the noise, and just saw the two escaping with their booty.
She said upon seeing the two, he chased them and succeeded in arresting them ,and when questioned about their action, they mentioned Abdulai as the one who masterminded the operation.
The desire of three driver's mates to ransack their neighbour and feed on the booty looted, backfired, when they were caught red handed after they had broken into the apartment and made away with quantities of electrical appliances, clothing and footwear estimated at GH¢3,800.
The three who, pleaded guilty to charges of intentionally and unlawfully causing damage, unlawful entry and stealing, were convicted on their own plea to serve five year jail term each by a Kumasi Circuit Court, presided over by Mr D.P.W. Amediour.
A day after Martin Abdulai , 21, had broken into the apartment at Sepe Dotim, a suburb of Kumasi and made away with quantities of valuable household items, he hinted two others, Sanusi Alhassan and Zaidu Kasim about his adventure and the booty he looted from the apartment and enticed them to try their luck.
Luck, however, eluded the two as they were caught red handed moments after they had succeeded in looting many electrical appliances including clothing and footwear from the apartment through a window they had broken and used as entry point.
They were arrested on July 17, 2010, a day after Martin Abdulai had broken into the apartment and a search conducted by the police made it possible for them to retrieve the items looted from the apartment at Sepe Dotim.
The items retrieved included two Sonny video cameras, three JVC video cameras, three football boots, two DVD players, three Philip speakers, six shoes, a digital clock, a digital camera ,a Samsung player, 12 VCD players, a travelling bag containing quantity of clothing, and sound system estimated at GH¢3,800.00
Giving the facts before the court, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Regina Addo Yobo, said the complainant has been taking care of an apartment at Sepe Dotim .
She explained that the owner had travelled abroad and left the apartment in the care of the complainant who is a businessman.
According to the prosecutor, the caretaker who is also a businessman always leaves for work during the daytime and returns late.
She said the convicts took advantage of the situation and on July 16, 2010, Martin Abdulai broke into the house by removing strong iron bars which had been built into a window .
She said during that operation, Abdulai succeeded in looting a number of electrical gadgets, clothing and household items from the apartment.
She said the items looted included two VCD decks , three football boots , three video cameras , three speakers , a travelling bag containing a number of items and documents as well as four shoes , 12 VCD players, a digital clock and adaptors.
DSP Addo Yobo said after the operation, Abdulai went to brief Sanusi Alhassan and Zaidu Kasim about his adventure and the booty he looted from the apartment and managed to entice them to try their luck , explaining that there would be no threat.
She said based on the assurance, Alhassan and Kasim also used the window as their entry point on July 17,2010 and made away with a number of items.
She said unfortunately for the two, the caretaker did not go to town that day and was washing when he heard an unusual noise.
According to the prosecutor, the caretaker succeeded in tracing the noise, and just saw the two escaping with their booty.
She said upon seeing the two, he chased them and succeeded in arresting them ,and when questioned about their action, they mentioned Abdulai as the one who masterminded the operation.
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